Should I Have My Gallbladder Removed?

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that some 6.3 million men and 14.2 million women suffer from gallbladder disease. Even so, not all of these people rush in to have their gallbladders removed. This fairly common surgical procedure is called for in a number of instances, but sometimes it’s more than feasible to take a wait-and-see approach.

So, how can you decide which option is right in your case?

When gallbladder issues arise doctors generally look for a few signs to help them determine if removal is truly necessary. These signs include:

• Pain – Gallstones can be especially painful. If they present and happen to produce a lot of pressure and pain, a surgeon may recommend complete removal of the gallbladder. If stones are present without any symptoms or mild symptoms, drug therapy or a wait-and-see approach might be necessary.
• Fever – If gallstones present with both pain and fever, surgical removal of the gallbladder is generally indicated. In fact, many doctors treat this as an emergency and will recommend immediate removal of the gallbladder to promote full recovery.
• Persistency of symptoms – If gallbladder attacks, even mild ones, are frequent, the removal of the gallbladder is often called for.
• Other concerns – Polyps and other precancerous or cancerous formations on the gallbladder may also demand removal of this organ.

Gallbladder surgery is generally performed using laparoscopic surgical methods. That means the procedure is less taxing on the body, the patient and the surgeon. Recovery from this type of procedure can occur in a rather short amount of time. For those who have to undergo the surgical removal of their gallbladder, most find there is no real difference in their life post-surgery minus the removal of pain. Digestion tends to continue as normal. For those who experience problems with digestion, a low-fat diet might be recommended.

If gallbladder pains are an ongoing concern, be sure to consult with a physician. There is no reason to endure pain when a simple procedure or drug intervention can set things right.

About Author

Abdominal Surgery Specialists, a part of the Nicholson Clinic, is led by Dr. Nick Nicholson, one of the most experienced laparoscopic surgeons in the country.

We are Abdominal Surgery Specialists, a part of the Nicholson Clinic, led by Dr. Nick Nicholson, one of the most experienced laparoscopic surgeons in the country. Dr. Nicholson has performed over 10,000 minimally invasive procedures.