Persistent sideache after gall bladder removal. How serious?

[amanda2]

I had an emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the first week of February 2006.  By all accounts it was a great success -without complications during the procedure and I recovered quickly, walking 3.5 miles a day by the end of the first week and climbing stairs.  I am now (July 2006) quite active working in a garden sometimes as long as five hours a day and I am finding I am experiencing strong sideaches, much as if you would if you had run for a long period of time, differing only in that it seems more localised, under my right rib cage, and limited to a small area there.  I wouldn't call this pain, but it is worrisome, as well as uncomfortable.  I know that clips are used during the procedure but I don't know if they dissolve or are left there.  Could this be a clip giving me this discomfort?  Could I be stretching the site of where the internal sutures were, due to all the physical activity I'm engaged in? And therefore creating another serious problem? I've been to a doctor this week and he said I have no cause for concern, that my incisions have healed beautifully, the wounds aren't herniating, and thata I can't hurt myself with exercise.  I only had brief periods of excess bile in the first months; now that seems to have adjusted itself.  Is this just another phase? My hairdresser said she had pain on and off for over a year and not to worry.  But I'd rather hear it from an M.D.!

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Scar tissue from the surgery is possible.  You can consider an ultrasound to evaluate for any biliary duct perforation or look for the presence of any clips.

If the pain continues, Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction can lead to gallbladder-like pain after surgery.  If this is considered, an ERCP with Sphincter of Oddi manometry can be discussed with your personal physician.  

If the tests continue to be negative, other causes - like musculoskeletal possibilities - can be pursued.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_

[amanda2]

I feel I should add that this ache doesn't seem to be in the upper right quadrant; more like around 5 to 7 inches above my waist line, under lower rib cage.

[AG23]

I also started having the persistant pain in the area.  I have had numerous tests, all negative.  My gi doc said it could possible be scare tissue or SOD.  I have since tried a very low fat diet(reading labels with under 5 grams or less) of foods and that has helped alot. I also was diagnosed with a hiatal hernia and acid reflux and I am taking med's for that but I noticed a change after I started the diet.

[relesl]

I had gb removed 9 yrs ago, in the last 7 yrs i have had episodic pain consisting of sharp pain in upper rt quadrant below my rib cage, to the point where it hurts to breathe. I go to the ER and they say it's gastritis, however, to me it feels like the original gb pain i experienced 9 yrs ago.  When i make this comment to my reg dr or er dr of course they say it can't be my gb cause i don't have one.....today i saw my gi dr and he is suspect of it possibly being a stone left there and would like to do an ercp after i get an ultrasound and blood work. also, he said that my liver tests go up and down which could be indicative of the stone as well.  I constently deal with bloating, pain, constipation-diarhea and have been taking Nexium for the last 2 years straight....i get really anxious and frustrated for having to go thru this all...plus, because i go through kaiser, i always have to wait weeks before any tests are done.....i feel the same as others, could it be cancer, stone, some other disease?? can i do anything to expedite the diagnosis? how can i rid myself of the pain?