Gallbladder Disease

Gallbladder Disease:

Definition

 

Gallbladder disease includes inflammation, infection, stones, or blockage (obstruction) of the gallbladder.  The gallbladder is a sac located under the liver. It stores and concentrates bile produced in the liver. Bile aids in the digestion of fat, and is released from the gallbladder into the upper small intestine in response to food (especially fats).

 

Symptoms

 

  • Abdominal fullness or gas
  • Abdominal pain that is:
    • Severe
    • Located on the right side (right upper quadrant) or in the upper middle of the abdomen (epigastric)
    • Decreased over 12 to 18 hours in uncomplicated cases
    • Recurrent or similar to pain in past
    • Occurring after meals
    • Worse during deep intake of breath
    • Radiating to back or below the right shoulder blade
    • Worse after eating or drinking fatty foods or fluids
  • Chest pain under the breastbone
  • Chills and shaking
  • Fever
  • Heartburn
  • Nausea and vomiting

Signs and tests

 

The abdomen is tender to the touch.

Tests that detect gallstones or inflammation include:

  • Abdominal CT scan
  • Abdominal ultrasound
  • Abdominal x-ray
  • A CBC shows infection by an elevated white blood cell count

This disease may also alter the results of the following tests:

  • Amylase
  • Amylase, urine
  • Chemistry panel (chem-20)
  • Lipase

 

Our Services

 

Gallbladder

Hernia Repair:

Breast:

Colon:

  • Coloitis
  • Colon and Rectal Cancer
  • Colon Polyps
  • Diverticulitis
  • Small Intestine
  • Obstruction
  • Tumors
  • Infection
  • Ischemic bowel
  • Chrones
  • Ulcerative colitis

Other: