Gallbladder Disease

Gallbladder disease is a common problem in North America.  Although not required, gallstones are frequently present.  Gallstones from when an imbalance occurs in the three components of bile (bile salts, cholesterol, and lecithin.)

In the western world, the prevalence of gallstones in women less than 50 years of age is 11-15 % and 3-11 % for men.  At 50 years of age and beyond, the prevalence for stones is 25 % and 10-15 %, respectively.   Annually, approximately one million Americans have symptoms of gallbladder disease and of these 700,000 will have cholecystectomies, the large majority of which will be performed laparoscopically.  This is the most common operation performed in the United States.  Gallbladder disease symptoms include upper abdominal pain (usually below the sternum or on the right side), bloating, and/or nausea.  Often these symptoms occur after eating fatty or spicy foods and may radiate to the back.  Initially, the first bout of symptoms may resolve on their own but frequently will recur.  Becoming jaundiced is rare.

Patients with asymptomatic gallstones have a 2-3% per year chance of developing symptoms up to 10 years and then 1-2 % per year chance thereafter.  An ultrasound is usually the first imaging test and the most cost-effective test to evaluate the liver and gallbladder subsequent to being evaluated by your physician.

Laparoscopic removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) is the gold standard operation to treat gallbladder disease.  In more than 90 percent of cases, it can be performed as same-day surgery, allowing you to recuperate in the comfort of your home.  Unlike the old approach to cholecystectomy, one small and three tiny incisions are required to perform laparoscopic cholecystectomy.  Minimal restrictions are required after surgery and these will be reviewed with you by your surgeon.  Most patients are back to work within 1-2 weeks.

If you have further questions, please call our office to talk with one of our nurses or to schedule an appointment