gallbladder polyps, surgery?

[cowgirl101]

I have been having alot of pain in my abdomen, nausea, heartburn, dont want to eat anything because it makes it worse. Pain can go from mild to severe. I had an ultrasound done and it showed polyps in my gallbladder and that it was inflammed. I am still waiting for the Dr to call with her findings, This is just what the ultrasound tech told me. I was just wondering what my options are as this is affecting my daily life and job and need a solution, Any ideas?


This discussion is related to gallbladder polyps.

[toomanystones]

I have had pain right under my rib cage on right hand side.  Ultrasound shows a 15mm polyp-surgeon is suggesting another ultrasound to verify, then removal of the gallbladder.  3 doctors have told me that it should not be causing pain, and they believe I have shingles.  Surgeon will not take out gallbladder until the shingles is gone-what if it isn't shingles?  Does anyone else get pain from polyp?  Should I be concerned that it is cancer?  I know they say the chances are much greater it is cancer if it is larger than 10mm.  Doctos make it seem like it is nothing, then I feel stupid for worrying...but I am only 34 and a little concerned.  

[GB_PAIN09]

My GB problems were almost the same has the above comment, I did ultrasound, CT scan, HIDA scan, EGD and FNA. Mine is 1- 1.5 cm. always in pain after eating, pain is on the right side and move to my back. The pain is so intense it affects my job and my entire life. I'm afraid to eat and drink so I avoid social gatherings. I was referred for surgery. Willing and optimistic about surgery to live life again.

[stnktn]

I too had GB polyps but because they were small they wanted to do more checking to be sure it would be worth it to remove my GB right away. They also did a HIDA scan because I too was symptomatic like you with pain etc. Well turns out my ejection fraction was 17% and that is low, surgery time is about 33% in most cases. So while I had polyps my doctor believes my pain was caused from my inflammation and my disease and lack of functioning at 17%. The polyps were found on ultrasound and prompted them to look further, that and the inflammation. I am 6 days post op from having my gb removed.  I won't lie, I was kind of scared when I did not know the size or location of the polyps. That was the first thing I wanted to know. My surgeon said had I not had any symptoms with my GB polyps then because they were small we would let them sit for 6 months and then reevaluate for surgery then but because I had symptoms something had to be done now.

Hope this helps in some way to answer your questions.

[CalGal]

Cowgirl, it may depend on the size and positioning of the polyps. As you know, polyps are viewed as precursors of cancerous states when they're found within many organs. In the past, gallbladder polyps were considered to be problematic when they grew to a 'certain' size. I believe the newest recommendations are now suggesting that no matter what size the GB polyps are that the GB be removed. But removal may depend on what your doc's experience is with those form of polyps.

However, if the polyps are blocking the emptying or filling of the GB via the cystic duct, the doc may automatically recommend removal of the GB.