5 Signs Indicating that You Need Gallbladder Surgery

An attack of gallbladder pain is a terrifying experience that should be treated right away as it can leave you in pieces.

This small organ stores bile produced in the liver. A gallbladder removal surgery is a resort when the underlying problem puts your gallbladder at risk of tearing or bursting.

The core function of this pear-shaped organ is to store the bile produced by the liver and pass it into the small intestine tract. Thus, your gallbladder plays a key role in a healthy digestive system.

Most of the problems with your gallbladder come from gallstones. These gallstones can be as small as a grain or as large as a ping pong ball. As a result, you can notice a wide range of symptoms. These symptoms can range from minor and annoying to unbearable.

In some cases of gallbladder problems, the symptoms are temporary, and an episode may pass quickly. However, in case of some severe issues, the symptoms may persist or recur.

About 80% of people with gallbladder problems require surgery

Gallbladder surgery is a surgery when your symptoms are severe and your condition is getting worse.

However, you may often ask the question of when do I need Laparoscopic surgery? Well, the answer to this question is a thorough analysis of the symptoms you are experiencing.

Symptoms of a gallbladder that need medical attention are:

Pain

Pain is usually a key sign of a bad gallbladder. This pain may occur in your upper right abdomen, where your gallbladder is located. Moreover, the pain can occur anywhere in the abdominal region and often feels radiating around the back towards the right shoulder blade.

You may experience intermittent pain [ one which comes and goes] near the rib cage in your upper right abdomen. This pain can be steady and gnawing and can become severe when it radiates to your upper back.

This specific kind of pain is called biliary colic pain. This pain can typically occur after a meal and can last for several hours before going away. Some people may often ignore it as normal pain. However, if the pain is severe, you should consult your doctor.

Pancreatitis

Inflammation of the pancreas could be a sign of gallstone, which can migrate and block the duct from the pancreas and the gallbladder.

This inflammation could be an indicator that you need to remove your gallstone. In addition, your pancreas can be damaged when digestive enzymes begin working before your pancreas releases them. It could further aggravate your infection and pain. Therefore, you should immediately consult your doctor.

Nausea or vomiting

Sometimes the pain in your upper right abdomen can lead to nausea or vomiting. This nausea or pain can become worse if you ignore it.

Unexplained weight loss

You may notice a sudden weight loss for no defined reason. This weight loss can occur due to gallstone formation. If you are experiencing weight loss for no specific reason, you should get it checked by your doctor.

Yellowing of the skin and whiteness of eyes

If the gallbladder stones are stuck in your common bile duct, you may experience yellowing of the skin and whiteness of the eyes. This could be a sign of jaundice, so you should not ignore it.

Diagnosing a bad gallbladder

These warning signs are the indicators that you should consult your doctor immediately. Your doctor will diagnose your condition and will develop a treatment plan that best suits your needs.

A doctor will first run your blood test to determine an inflammation or infection in your gallbladder or liver. For further diagnosis, he may also undergo MRI, CT scan, or ultrasound.

Surgery is the option when your gallstones are too large to pass out of your body, and your doctor may need to remove them.