In Kingwood, Texas, Dr. Ronald Ambe of Texas Surgical Care provides diagnoses, experienced medical advice, and surgical care to those suffering from gastrointestinal issues. This includes problems relating to the gallbladder. If you need gallbladder surgery, Dr. Ambe can guide you through the entire process.
Understanding the gallbladder
Your gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ that holds and controls the release of bile into your small intestine. This bile helps break down fat, which assists in digestion. Signs that something could be wrong with your gallbladder include:
- Pain after you eat, and/or nausea and vomiting
- Sudden and severe pain at the center or upper right of your abdomen
- Tenderness in and around your abdomen
- Fever that has no other explanation
Common gallbladder problems
If you’re suffering from gallbladder issues, seeking treatment early on is extremely important. Symptoms like those listed above could be signs of:
- Stones in the gallbladder (gallstones, made of crystalized bile)
- Poor-functioning gallbladder (releasing insufficient or excess bile)
- A non-emptying gallbladder (biliary dyskinesia)
- Inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis)
- Abscesses or blockages in the gallbladder
- Cancer of the gallbladder
Four signs you might need gallbladder surgery
Some gallbladder issues can be treated with OTC medications, improved lifestyle, and dietary changes. However, surgery might be necessary if your gallbladder issues are chronic, serious, or extremely painful. Here are four signs you might need surgery to remove gallstones or the gallbladder entirely.
1. Ongoing digestive issues
Many people with gallbladder issues suffer from near-constant nausea, vomiting, and digestive issues due to a blockage. If you start to have a lot of bloat, your doctor may recommend gallbladder removal.
2. Sudden, extreme jaundice
If your gallstone issues are causing bile buildup, you may become jaundiced (suffering from yellowness of your skin and the whites of your eyes). If you have jaundice, surgery might become top priority.
3. Significant pain
Constant and serious pain in the abdomen is often a sign of a severe condition. If you or a family member have had gallbladder issues and are having pain in the center or right side of your abdomen, you may need gallbladder surgery.
4. Signs of infection
Fever and chills are indications of infection. When accompanied by pain in the gallbladder region, this is a sign that surgery may be needed quickly.
Dr. Ambe can do the necessary tests to correctly diagnose your gallbladder issues. If you need surgery, he’ll perform the necessary operation, and you can enjoy life without chronic gallbladder pain. Simply call 832-280-6782 or schedule an appointment online today.