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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Re: Gallstones
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
Re: Gallstones
by HFHSM.D.-ym, Jan 01, 1995 12:00AM
Posted By HFHSM.D.-ym on May 15, 1998 at 10:32:32:
In Reply to: Gallstones posted by Sandy on May 14, 1998 at 12:53:53:
I was having pains in my chest off and on. My doctor ordered a sonagram of my gallbladder and an ekg. The ekg was normal. The sonagram showed multiple gall stones. My doctor asked if I would like to see a surgeon. I have decided to wait, since the symptoms are not that bad and are off and on. My doctor said I cannot wish them away, and eventually I will have to have something done. What symptoms should I look for to warn me if they are getting worse and need surgery. Right now the pains are more off and on, and since I know it is not my heart, do not really bother me. Thank you.
_Dear Sandy,
Although chest pain can sometimes be associated with biliary colic (pain secondary to gallstones), biliary pain is more often pain located in the middle or right side of the upper abdomen lasting for at least 30 minutes after eating which tends to increase in intensity and then slowly subsides. It is sometimes associated with vomiting. Just because gallstones are present on the ultrasound does not guarantee that gallstones are the cause of your pain. In fact, many gallbladders have been removed from patients who have the same preoperative pain return a few months after surgery.
Assuming that your pain is from gallstones, studies have shown that about one third of gallstone patients will have no further biliary pain or complication after a first episode of biliary pain. Another important fact is that complications from gallstones are almost always preceded by attacks of biliary pain. Waiting till a second attack of biliary pain occurs does not significantly change the clinical course. Therefore, it may be wise, in certain circumstances, to wait for the second episode to occur prior to recommending invasive surgery. This will allow the clinician to be more confident that the pain experienced by the patient is biliary in origin.
Nevertheless, there are some symptoms that you should not ignore. If you experience severe, unrelenting abdominal pain; fever; chills; yellow jaundice and severe nausea and vomiting; you should consult your physician or go to an emergency room. I hope you find this information helpful. Good luck to you.
This response is being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Always check with your personal physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.
If you would like to be seen at our institution please call 1-800-653-6568, our Referring Physicians Office and make an appointment to see Dr. Muszkat, one of our experts in Gastroenterology.
HFHSM.D.-ym
*Keywords: gallstones, biliary colic, cholecystectomy, surgery
_______
In Reply to: Gallstones posted by Sandy on May 14, 1998 at 12:53:53:
I was having pains in my chest off and on. My doctor ordered a sonagram of my gallbladder and an ekg. The ekg was normal. The sonagram showed multiple gall stones. My doctor asked if I would like to see a surgeon. I have decided to wait, since the symptoms are not that bad and are off and on. My doctor said I cannot wish them away, and eventually I will have to have something done. What symptoms should I look for to warn me if they are getting worse and need surgery. Right now the pains are more off and on, and since I know it is not my heart, do not really bother me. Thank you.
_Dear Sandy,
Although chest pain can sometimes be associated with biliary colic (pain secondary to gallstones), biliary pain is more often pain located in the middle or right side of the upper abdomen lasting for at least 30 minutes after eating which tends to increase in intensity and then slowly subsides. It is sometimes associated with vomiting. Just because gallstones are present on the ultrasound does not guarantee that gallstones are the cause of your pain. In fact, many gallbladders have been removed from patients who have the same preoperative pain return a few months after surgery.
Assuming that your pain is from gallstones, studies have shown that about one third of gallstone patients will have no further biliary pain or complication after a first episode of biliary pain. Another important fact is that complications from gallstones are almost always preceded by attacks of biliary pain. Waiting till a second attack of biliary pain occurs does not significantly change the clinical course. Therefore, it may be wise, in certain circumstances, to wait for the second episode to occur prior to recommending invasive surgery. This will allow the clinician to be more confident that the pain experienced by the patient is biliary in origin.
Nevertheless, there are some symptoms that you should not ignore. If you experience severe, unrelenting abdominal pain; fever; chills; yellow jaundice and severe nausea and vomiting; you should consult your physician or go to an emergency room. I hope you find this information helpful. Good luck to you.
This response is being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Always check with your personal physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.
If you would like to be seen at our institution please call 1-800-653-6568, our Referring Physicians Office and make an appointment to see Dr. Muszkat, one of our experts in Gastroenterology.
HFHSM.D.-ym
*Keywords: gallstones, biliary colic, cholecystectomy, surgery
_______
