Unless you have experienced a gallbladder problem, you probably don’t even know what symptoms might indicate that the pear-shaped organ under your liver is not functioning properly.
One minute you are enjoying a hike in Austin, and the next you find yourself doubled over in pain. The gallbladder stores bile, a fluid that breaks down fat, and then sends it into the small intestine. Pain in the upper right or upper middle abdomen is a telltale sign of a gallbladder issue (most commonly gallstones that prevent the flow of bile). This pain can be sudden and intense, and it may also be accompanied by fever, nausea, or vomiting.
Anyone can be diagnosed with gallbladder disease, but certain people are more at risk than others. Some factors are beyond our control, while other risk factors can be impacted by behavior.
Genetics definitely play a part in gallbladder problems. If you have a family member with gallbladder disease, you are more likely to follow suit than someone without that family history. Over all, women face a significant risk compared to men, although that wide gap diminishes some with age because older people are at a higher risk, especially over 60 years old. Ethnicity also impacts the risk. Native Americans and Mexican Americans are more likely to have gallbladder disease than people of other ethnicities.
Being overweight or obese increases the risk of gallstones and other gallbladder problems. People who carry too much weight overproduce cholesterol, which is a component of bile. Excess cholesterol production can result in gallstones. Of course committing to a healthier diet can lead to weight loss. It can also decrease the risk of gallbladder problems associated with eating food that contains too much fat, too much cholesterol, and too little fiber. However, do not lose weight too quickly because rapid weight loss is also associated with gallstone production. Patients who undergo bariatric (weight loss) surgery can take a prescription medication to lower their gallstone risk.
Certain medical conditions raise the probability of developing gallbladder problems. Type 2 diabetes, cirrhosis, Crohn’s disease, and sickle cell anemia are among the diseases associated with this heightened risk. Organ transplant patients who receive a new heart, kidney, liver, lung, or pancreas also need to keep an eye out for gallstones (some doctors recommend precautionary gallbladder removal in these patients). Because certain medications are also associated with gallstone risk, it’s important to discuss all drug risks and benefits with your medical provider.
Gallbladder disease can strike with little warning and catch you totally off-guard. Very often, gallbladder removal surgery (cholecystectomy) will solve the problem entirely and get you back on your feet. This common minimally invasive procedure boasts a quick recovery time, and because the body can function without a gallbladder, the pain will soon be but a distant memory. Dr. Uecker has extensive experience performing gallbladder removal surgery and will discuss all of the surgical options available to you. Request an appointment today and let Dr. Uecker help with your gallbladder issues.
*Source: US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health
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John M Uecker, M.D. has been in practice in Austin since 2003. His practice focuses on the surgical treatment of hernias, gallstones, GERD, hiatal hernias and thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal tumors. He started and leads the robotic surgery program at Dell Seton Medical Center. Dr. Uecker is the Division Chief of minimally invasive surgery and an Associate Professor at the University of Texas Dell Medical School where he enjoys teaching medical students and residents.
