Gallbladder Removal Surgery In Katy and Sugar Land

General Information: Gallbladder

The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ that measures 4 inches in length. It is situated in the upper right section of the abdomen, beneath our liver. Bile, a mixture of fluids, fat, and cholesterol, is stored in the gallbladder. In our intestine, bile aids in the breakdown of fat from food.

Bile is delivered into the small intestine by the gallbladder. This facilitates the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and nutrients into the blood system. Although bile aids in fat digestion, the gallbladder is not required. The risk of diarrhea and fat malabsorption is slight in otherwise healthy people who have their gallbladder removed. However, this procedure typically results in no obvious health or digestion issues.

What is the location of the gallbladder?

 The gallbladder is located in the upper right quadrant of our abdomen. This is the region of our abdomen on the right side that extends from the bottom of our sternum (breastbone) to the navel. The gallbladder is located beneath the liver in our bodies.

 The gallbladder can be palpated by medical professionals while the patient is on their side or back. Even if the gallbladder is enlarged, it is difficult for the patient to locate it without special knowledge.

How does the Gallbladder function?

When we eat a meal, many systems go into action to break down the food, use or store the nutrients, and excrete the rest. The gallbladder is one component of a larger system that allows us to digest components of the food we eat.

The gallbladder constricts when we eat a fat-containing meal, forcing bile into the small intestine where it is required to absorb the dietary fat. Our body cannot digest fats properly without bile. The amount of bile released by the gallbladder is proportional to the amount of fat in the digestive system.

Bile from the liver is stored and concentrated in the gallbladder. The bile is then released into the duodenum, the first section of the small intestine, where it aids in the breakdown and absorption of fats from food. Every day, the liver cells produce approximately 800 to 1,000 millilitres (27 to 34 fluid ounces) of bile. When you eat a meal, many systems go into action to break down the food, use or store the nutrients, and excrete the rest.

Gallbladder Problem Signs and Symptoms

Usually, gallstones do not cause symptoms. However, if something slows or obstructs the flow of bile from the gallbladder, a range of issues can occur. The large percentage of gallbladder symptoms begin with pain in the upper abdomen, either in the top right or centre.

The specific symptoms individuals experience may differ depending on the type of gallbladder condition, even though many of the symptoms are the same for all gallbladder conditions.

Here are some of the most common gallbladder symptoms:

• Pain in the abdomen that lasts several hours.
• Tenderness in the abdomen, especially in the upper right quadrant.
• Severe pain in the top right or centre abdomen.
• Pain gets worse after a large meal, especially one that contains fatty or greasy foods.
• Unusually coloured stools.

 What occurs after the gallbladder is removed?

The gallbladder is connected to your liver. The symptoms listed above can occur if the gallbladder becomes blocked due to the formation of gallstones. This frequently leads to the recommendation of gallbladder surgery.  Gallbladder removal is one of the most common surgeries performed in the United States. We can still break down fats in our small intestine after the gallbladder has been removed.

What are the most common gallbladder complications?

Infection, stones, inflammation, or gallbladder blockage are all common gallbladder conditions.

Gallstones

Gallstones are small stones that form in the gallbladder and are generally made of cholesterol. Many people with gallstones have no symptoms. Nevertheless, pain can occur when stones block a duct in the biliary system. There may be complications if symptomatic gallstones are not treated. Issues from gallstones, such as gallbladder inflammatory response, can occur in certain people (cholecystitis).

This can result in:

• Persistent Discomfort
• Skin And Eye Discoloration
• Elevated Temperature

Choledocholithiasis

Choledocholithiasis is the presence of a gallstone in the common bile duct. This is treated by the gallstone being removed from the duct using an endoscope to treat the condition. To prevent the condition from recurring, the gallbladder may need to be removed. Choledocholithiasis is characterised by pain in the upper right quadrant of the body. Other signs and symptoms include:

• Yellowing of the skin or eyes.
• Dark urine
• Clay-coloured stools
• Vomiting or nausea

Cholecystitis

Acute cholecystitis is gallbladder inflammation. The gallbladder is an organ located beneath our liver that aids in fat digestion. Cholecystitis can progress rapidly and, in most cases, necessitates medical attention. If we suspect we have acute cholecystitis, we must see our doctor as soon as possible. The following are some of the most common cholecystitis symptoms:

·         severe pain in the upper right or middle of the abdomen.
·         Right shoulder or back pain that spreads or radiates .
·         fever, a tender abdomen, especially when touched .

Gallbladder Polyps

A gallbladder polyp is a small, abnormal tissue growth with a stalk protruding from the lining of the gallbladder. They are fairly common. Although gallbladder polyps can be cancerous (malignant), approximately 95% of gallbladder polyps are not (benign). Many people with gallbladder polyps have no symptoms. However, there are some who complain about:

·         Pain in the right upper abdomen from time to time
· Nausea.
·         vomiting.

Diagnosis

The physician will perform a physical examination, which will include checking our eyes and skin for visible color changes. A yellowish tint may indicate jaundice, which is caused by an excess of bilirubin in our body. Diagnostic tests that allow the doctor to see inside the body may be used during the exam. Among these tests are:

Ultrasound:

The abdomen is imaged using an ultrasound. It is the preferred imaging method for confirming gallstone disease. It may also reveal abnormalities related to acute cholecystitis

Radionuclide scan of the gallbladder

A radioactive substance is injected into the veins. The substance enters your bloodstream and moves to the liver and gallbladder. A scan may reveal evidence of infection or bile duct blockage caused by stones.

Blood tests

Our doctor may request blood tests to determine the level of bilirubin in your blood and to assess the liver’s health.

 
The gallbladder is situated in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen. It stores bile produced by the liver. Gallstones are the most common condition affecting the gallbladder. If you experience pain in the upper right part of your abdomen, especially after eating, consult your doctor.

Cost of your GALLBLADDER surgery

The cost of your GALLBLADDER/HERNIA surgery is variable depending on specific insurance plans that patients have as well as the facility where the surgery is performed. Dr. Shakir performs this surgery at various hospitals as well as outpatient surgery centers to bring the cost down to the minimum for the patient. We are also in network with all major insurance plans and patients who do not have insurance are also given special self pay rates. At Surgical Associates of Southern Texas, we believe in providing care to everyone irrespective of their socioeconomic status and keeping the cost of surgery in mind.