Right Lower Abdominal Pain After Gallbladder Surgery - Internal Medicine

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Understanding right lower abdominal pain after gallbladder surgery can be quite complex, especially considering your medical history and the symptoms you've described. After laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which is the surgical removal of the gallbladder, patients may experience various types of abdominal pain due to several factors.

Firstly, it’s important to recognize that post-operative pain can stem from several sources. The surgical procedure itself can lead to irritation or inflammation of the surrounding tissues, which may manifest as pain. This is often due to the manipulation of the abdominal organs during surgery, and while some discomfort is expected, persistent or severe pain should be evaluated further.

Given your history of duodenal ulcers and the recent findings of inflammation in the stomach and scarring in the duodenum, it’s possible that your abdominal pain could be related to gastrointestinal issues rather than directly to the surgery. The presence of gastritis or ulcer scarring can lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain, discomfort after eating, and increased gastric acid production, which may explain your post-meal discomfort and acid reflux symptoms.

Additionally, the possibility of complications such as bile duct stones (choledocholithiasis) or adhesions (scar tissue that can form after surgery) should not be overlooked. Bile duct stones can occur even after the gallbladder has been removed, as stones can form in the bile ducts themselves. Symptoms of bile duct obstruction can include right upper quadrant pain, jaundice, and changes in stool color. If you suspect that you might have a blockage, an ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) may be indicated. This procedure is typically performed when there is a suspicion of bile duct stones or other complications affecting the bile duct system.

Adhesions can also lead to bowel obstruction, which can cause pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. If you have experienced severe pain that radiates to your back or have had episodes of vomiting, these could be signs of an obstruction, which would require immediate medical attention.

In terms of your current treatment with medications like wellpin and kascoal, it’s essential to discuss with your healthcare provider the potential side effects and whether these medications are appropriate for your symptoms. Long-term use of certain medications can have implications for your overall health, especially considering your history of gastrointestinal issues.

If your symptoms persist despite medication, or if you experience new symptoms such as fever, significant changes in bowel habits, or worsening pain, it would be prudent to seek further evaluation. This could include imaging studies or consultations with a gastroenterologist to explore the possibility of underlying conditions that may not have been identified in previous assessments.

In summary, while post-operative pain can be a normal part of recovery, persistent or severe pain warrants further investigation. Given your medical history, it’s crucial to consider both surgical complications and underlying gastrointestinal issues as potential causes of your symptoms. Regular follow-up with your healthcare provider is essential to manage your condition effectively and to ensure that any complications are addressed promptly.