Do you know when it’s time to get gallbladder surgery? Many people think the development of gallstones should lead to immediate surgery, but this isn’t always the case. Some people don’t experience any problems and can wait, but developing certain symptoms will require you to get surgery as soon as possible.
At Bergen Bariatric and Surgical Solutions P.C., our provider, Dr. Mikhail A. Botvinov, offers state-of-the-art laparoscopic surgery for gallbladder removal. It’s important to be aware of the signs that your gallstones are causing problems and that surgery must be sought out quickly.
The gallbladder is an organ in your body that stores bile. Sometimes, it can form hard objects that range in size. These can cause no issues in some individuals, but in others, they may block the bile ducts, inflaming them, the gallbladder itself, or the pancreas.
When you develop gallstones, they don’t go away on their own, so gallbladder surgery will most likely be your eventual treatment option. The surgery is common, and 1.2 million people undergo it annually in the United States. But not everyone needs surgery right away.
It’s important to determine if you need surgery or if waiting is the best option for your current situation. If you experience no symptoms, you may be able to wait, but any of the signs listed below indicate that you need gallbladder surgery as soon as possible.
If you’re experiencing pain from gallstones, they’re already beginning to wreak havoc on your body. The pain experienced from gallstones is like getting cut in the stomach with a knife. You might also experience back pain or even right shoulder pain.
The severity and longevity of the pain experiences can vary, but most people can’t — and shouldn’t — live with this type of pain. If you’re already experiencing it, it’s probably time for surgery.
Jaundice is another sign that one or more gallstones have passed into your bile ducts and that bile is backing up into your liver. The bile will then seep into your bloodstream, which is highly dangerous. If you notice your skin and the whites of your eyes turning yellow, make sure to get checked out immediately.
If you’re the kind of person who has never experienced stomach problems and you suddenly start to notice indigestion, gas, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and heartburn, it’s time to determine if your gallstones could be the culprit.
If your gallbladder becomes inflamed (a condition known as cholecystitis), you’ll notice fever and chills. If you have been having these symptoms combined with any of the others listed, it’s important to seek surgery as soon as possible.
If you know you have gallstones, weight loss can be a sign of acute pancreatitis. This happens when the gallstones start blocking your pancreatic duct. Diarrhea and appetite loss go hand-in-hand with weight loss caused by pancreatitis, along with the other symptoms mentioned previously.
If you’ve noticed any of the above signs and know you have gallstones, it’s time to book your surgery. If you’re unsure if these symptoms are related to your gallbladder, it’s still important to seek a diagnosis immediately.
Visit us at our Westwood, New Jersey, office by making an appointment online. You can also call us 201-778-5344, and we’ll be happy to book one for you.
