Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Should I get my gallbladder removed?
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
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.
Should I get my gallbladder removed?
by Jane from UK, Jun 25, 2006 12:00AM
I have one small gallstone which was identified by an ultrasound scan last October. I had been experiencing very mild pain, but no other symptoms. However, I was referred to a surgeon and he recommended that I have my gall bladder removed laparoscopically.
Apart from that one mild attack, I have had no further symptoms. I very occasionally felt a very mild twinge perhaps once a week, but even this seems to have stopped recently. There is no exacerbation of the pain from eating fatty foods whatsoever.
I am due to have my gall bladder removed in a week's time. I feel it is unnecessary as, of course, I have no symptoms! My problem is that I plan to get pregnant later on this year and I am aware that hormones can encourage a flare up. I do not want to put myself under any risk while pregnant, particularly as I already have one disabled child and I don't want to do anything that might cause any risk to a future baby.
Could someone tell me what the likelihood of such a mildly affected gallbladder flaring up to the point of needing emergency surgery during pregnancy is? Is there any evidence of gallbladder surgery causing damage to the unborn child during pregnancy?
I am 36 and in good health. I am about 10 pounds overweight, but otherwise very well.
I would be very grateful for any opinions, thank you.
Jane from UK
Apart from that one mild attack, I have had no further symptoms. I very occasionally felt a very mild twinge perhaps once a week, but even this seems to have stopped recently. There is no exacerbation of the pain from eating fatty foods whatsoever.
I am due to have my gall bladder removed in a week's time. I feel it is unnecessary as, of course, I have no symptoms! My problem is that I plan to get pregnant later on this year and I am aware that hormones can encourage a flare up. I do not want to put myself under any risk while pregnant, particularly as I already have one disabled child and I don't want to do anything that might cause any risk to a future baby.
Could someone tell me what the likelihood of such a mildly affected gallbladder flaring up to the point of needing emergency surgery during pregnancy is? Is there any evidence of gallbladder surgery causing damage to the unborn child during pregnancy?
I am 36 and in good health. I am about 10 pounds overweight, but otherwise very well.
I would be very grateful for any opinions, thank you.
Jane from UK
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Jun 26, 2006 12:00AM
, Jun 26, 2006 12:00AM
Generally, one would want to avoid surgery during pregnancy. There is no definitive way to predict when a gallbladder attack can occur.
In general, if there are no symptoms, surgery can be elective. However, if your physician feels that you are at risk for a gallbladder attack, removal of the gallbladder can be considered.
I would discuss your concerns with your personal physician, or in conjunction with another surgical opinion.
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_
In general, if there are no symptoms, surgery can be elective. However, if your physician feels that you are at risk for a gallbladder attack, removal of the gallbladder can be considered.
I would discuss your concerns with your personal physician, or in conjunction with another surgical opinion.
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_
Related discussions
-
Post Gallbladder surgery pain. (61 replies):I had my gall bladder removed in early December VIA the ...[more]
-
shoulder pain (6 replies):I had surgery 2 weeks ago and had my gallbladder removed...[more]
-
Gallbladder removal surgery (51 replies):I am a new mother, had my son about 3 months ago. Just ...[more]
-
chronic cholecystitis (43 replies):I have pain in the area under and below my right rib cag...[more]
-
HIDA TEST RESULT IS 18% (12 replies):I'm had a RUQ sharp pain and they suspected gallstones. ...[more]
-
Is Gallbladder Removal Necessary? (4 replies):I am a 48 Year old male that has been experiencing chron...[more]
-
Abdominal Pain after fatty foods-Post gallbladder remova... (30 replies):I am a 33 year old female, and I just had my second chil...[more]
-
Post-Gallbladder Surgery: Same Pain as Before Surgery (29 replies):I am a 38-year old female.I began having the pain I will...[more]
Hi, Iam 43 years old and for the last two months I have been experiencing upper abdominal pain mostly on the right however it has at times radiated to my left side. I also have pain between my shoulder blades and mostly my right shoulder blade. I also experience nausea and a lot of gas and indigestion. I have had the following test done. EGD showed mild gastritis they first treated me with Aciphex and when I continued to have symptons that seemed to get worse my GI Doctor ordered a abdominal sono and CT OF THE ABDOMEN which were negative. I had a HIDA scan done a few weeks ago which was e fraction of 32%. My doctor said to go on a low fat diet. I had been watching what I have been eating but I still have symptons. My question is should I go see a general surgeon. Will they remove a gallbladder with a result of 32%......
Thanks for your help
Hi, Iam 43 years old and for the last two months I have been experiencing upper abdominal pain mostly on the right however it has at times radiated to my left side. I also have pain between my shoulder blades and mostly my right shoulder blade. I also experience nausea and a lot of gas and indigestion. I have had the following test done. EGD showed mild gastritis they first treated me with Aciphex and when I continued to have symptons that seemed to get worse my GI Doctor ordered a abdominal sono and CT OF THE ABDOMEN which were negative. I had a HIDA scan done a few weeks ago which was e fraction of 32%. My doctor said to go on a low fat diet. I had been watching what I have been eating but I still have symptons. My question is should I go see a general surgeon. Will they remove a gallbladder with a result of 32%......
Thanks for your help