Gallbladder Disease
Have you ever experienced a steady, sometimes severe pain in your abdomen, perhaps with bloating, nausea or vomiting? If you have these symptoms, you need for your doctor to determine if you have gallbladder disease. Here's Dr. Firstname M. Lastname, a General Surgeon with Medical Center/Hospital, to tell us more.
Who develops gallbladder problems?
People who seem more likely to have gallbladder attacks include:
• Women, often in their 40s
• Women who are or have recently been pregnant
• Men and women who are overweight
• People who eat large amounts of dairy products, animal fats and fried foods
• Parents, siblings and children of people with gallbladder problems
How will my doctor know if I have gallbladder disease?
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, health problems and any risk factors that may point to a gallbladder problem, and conduct a physical exam. Your doctor will likely order a few blood tests, and a sonogram of your gallbladder to look for gallstones.
What are the treatment options?
The most common treatment is removal of the gallbladder through a tiny incision near the navel. Medications can sometimes be used to dissolve gallstones, but are usually reserved for those patients who have complicating health problems and can't safely undergo surgery.
How successful is gallbladder surgery?
Gallbladder removal is one of the most successful kinds of surgery. Once it has been removed, your body should adapt quickly, allowing you to return to your normal lifestyle and diet in a few weeks.