A Common Problem
If you have had an attack of painful galldbladder symptoms you are not alone. Gallbladder disease is very common. To treat the problem, surgery to remove the gallbladder is recommended. this relieves pain and prevents future attacks. Know that you can live a full healthy life without a gallbladder. Your digestion will still work normally.
Symptoms of Gallbladder Disease
Gallbladder problems can cause painful attacks, often after a high-fat meal. Some people have only one attack. Others have many. Common symptoms include:
a. Sever pain or aching in the upper abdomen. Pain may come and go or be constant.
b. A dull ache beneath the ribs or breastbone.
c. Pain in the back or right shoulder blade.
d. Nausea, upset stomach, heartburn or vomiting.
e. Loss of appetite.
Treating Glalbladder Disease
Most often, symptoms of gallbladder disease are caused by stones that form in the gallbladder. The best way to remove stones and stop new stones from froming is to remove the gallbladder. This is most often done using a type of surgery called laparoscopy.
What is laparoscopy?
It is a method of performing surgery. Laparoscopy requires only small incisions in the skin. A device called a laparoscope is used. The laparoscope is a thin tube that contains a small light and camera. It is put into the abdomen through one small incision. The scope sends live video from inside the body to a monitor. This lets the doctor see and work. Surgical tools are put
Why not just remove the gallstones?
Unless the gallbladder is removed, more stones will likely form. The gallbladder may also need to be removed for reasons other than stones.
Is the surgery always done with laparoscopy?
Not always. Laparoscopy has certain advantages. But scarring from past surgeries or other factors may mean open surgery is safer for you This requires a larger incision and a longer recovery.
