When you think of illness, you might not equate it to your gallbladder. This organ, which is located on the right side of your abdomen, can cause some health concerns.
About 15% of the population is affected by gallstones, but not all gallstones cause complications.
Your gallbladder’s job is to store small amounts of bile that release into your small intestine after you eat to help break down the fats you ingest.
Believe it or not, you can live without this organ. So if you’re struggling with gallbladder disease or gallstone issues, gallbladder surgery might be your answer.
At Eastside Bariatric & General Surgery in Snellville, Georgia, our expert team, led by Dr. Aliu O. Sanni, can determine if gallbladder surgery might be right for you.
We understand how painful this condition can be. We diagnose and treat it, but let’s first look at what symptoms might show up that can let you know that you have a gallbladder issue.
Understanding your gallbladder
Problems with your gallbladder usually stem from gallstones, which are made up of hard deposits that can be as small as a grain of sand or as big as a golf ball. Once you have gallstones, you can experience blockages and infection, which indicate you have gallbladder disease.
Though the exact cause of gallstones isn’t known, they’re linked to excessive amounts of cholesterol in your bile or having an issue with emptying your gallbladder properly.
You may also be more susceptible to gallbladder issues if you are diabetic, carry excess weight, or lead a sedentary lifestyle. Your risks also increase as you age, especially if you're over 40 years old.
Symptoms of gallbladder issues
You need to know what signs to look for if you have gallbladder issues. Here are four of the most common:
- Nausea/vomiting
- Fever/sweating
- Pain between your shoulder blades
- Sudden and intense pain in your right, upper abdomen
You might also feel a great deal of tenderness and pain, especially after eating a meal.
When gallbladder surgery may be needed
If you suffer from the symptoms we just listed, gallbladder removal can remedy your issues.
Sometimes medications can ease your symptoms, but if they don’t work, you may need gallbladder removal surgery. This common treatment can permanently resolve persistent gallbladder disease, especially since you don’t need this organ to live.
Dr. Sanni can perform gallbladder surgery with minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, which requires only a few small incisions.
If you’re suffering from gallbladder issues, reach out to our team today. Simply call our friendly office staff today to make an appointment. You can also text us at 201-565-0876 or click here to book online.