Cholecystectomy, Gastroenterology and Hepatology FAQ

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Emergency Surgery for Acute Cholecystitis: Navigating High Liver Enzymes

The emergency physician arranged for an urgent surgical operation? Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to inquire about the following narrative: A patient presented to the emergency department late at night with abdominal pain. Blood tests revealed elevated liver enzymes, and a CT s...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If the liver function tests are significantly elevated, anesthesia or surgery may not be advisable. Please discuss the details with your attending physician.

[Read More] Emergency Surgery for Acute Cholecystitis: Navigating High Liver Enzymes


Gallbladder Removal: When Is Surgery Necessary for Gallstones?

Cholecystectomy Hello, doctor. I have gastroesophageal reflux disease, and recently I've experienced right upper abdominal pain twice within a week. The emergency department diagnosed me with gallstones leading to cholecystitis, but my blood tests are normal. I would like to...


Dr. Hu Guozheng Reply:
The primary treatment for symptomatic gallstones is cholecystectomy. If a physician assesses that a patient is not suitable for surgery, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy combined with medication can be considered. Additionally, lifestyle and dietary modifications are necessa...

[Read More] Gallbladder Removal: When Is Surgery Necessary for Gallstones?


Do You Need Hospitalization for Biliary Stent Removal?

Is hospitalization required for the removal of a biliary stent? Due to bile duct obstruction caused by gallstones, liver enzyme levels have risen. Jaundice has been addressed by placing a biliary stent to relieve the obstruction caused by the gallstones. The gallbladder is schedu...


Dr. Hu Guozheng Reply:
The number of days required for hospitalization observation varies depending on each individual's recovery condition and medical needs. It is advisable to consult your attending physician for more information. Thank you.

[Read More] Do You Need Hospitalization for Biliary Stent Removal?


Understanding Elevated GGT Levels After Biliary Obstruction Treatment

Abnormal GGT levels in blood tests? Last August, I was hospitalized due to obstructive jaundice caused by sludge blocking the bile duct. The sludge has been cleared from the bile duct, but there is still a small amount of sludge in the gallbladder. I am currently taking medicatio...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If there is no history of alcohol consumption or fatty liver, it may still be related to bile sludge. The first recommendation should still be to perform cholecystectomy to prevent recurrence; if surgery is not performed, regular follow-up visits are necessary.

[Read More] Understanding Elevated GGT Levels After Biliary Obstruction Treatment


Post-Cholecystectomy: Can I Resume My Supplements?

Post-cholecystectomy Hello, doctor. Half a month ago, after eating something very oily, I experienced severe abdominal pain. I went to the emergency room and was diagnosed with gallstones, which led to the removal of my gallbladder. It has been ten days since the surgery, and the...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Yes, but if there is diarrhea, it is advisable to limit the intake of oily foods.

[Read More] Post-Cholecystectomy: Can I Resume My Supplements?


Understanding Mild Bile Duct Dilation: Causes and Follow-Up Care

Ultrasound shows intrahepatic bile duct dilation? In September of last year, an ultrasound during a health check at the hospital showed mild dilatation of the common bile duct, measuring up to 0.8 cm in diameter. In June of this year, a follow-up ultrasound was arranged at the ou...


Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
You can visit the hospital's hepatology and gastroenterology outpatient clinic for a more detailed explanation.

[Read More] Understanding Mild Bile Duct Dilation: Causes and Follow-Up Care


Understanding Abdominal Ultrasound Results: Key Insights for Liver and Kidney Health

Abdominal ultrasound Hello, my mother underwent an ultrasound examination, and the results were unclear. The interpretation of the imaging report on the National Health Insurance app is difficult to understand, so I would like to inquire about any important points to note. Thank ...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Pay attention to the aging/degradation of the kidneys; it is advisable to have a blood test for kidney function assessment.

[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Ultrasound Results: Key Insights for Liver and Kidney Health


Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Growth Concerns and Next Steps

Gallbladder polyp enlargement? Hello, doctor. During my company's health check-up last November, an abdominal ultrasound revealed multiple gallbladder polyps, with the largest measuring 0.3 cm. This year, the ultrasound showed the largest polyp measuring 0.38 cm, indicating ...


Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: A polyp measuring 0.3 cm has changed to 0.38 cm, which is roughly equivalent to 3-4 mm; both are considered small polyps, and follow-up is recommended. During abdominal ultrasound examinations, the measurement of the polyp may vary due to angle issues. A change from 0.3 cm...

[Read More] Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Growth Concerns and Next Steps


Understanding Post-Cholecystectomy Pain: Causes and Solutions

Post-cholecystectomy issues? My father had gallbladder stones and underwent gallbladder removal surgery many years ago. However, after many years, he suddenly started experiencing pain at the surgical site, which is a dull pain. What could be the reason for this sudden pain? Than...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If symptoms persist, please visit a gastroenterology clinic for evaluation.

[Read More] Understanding Post-Cholecystectomy Pain: Causes and Solutions


Understanding White Stool: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help

White stool Hello Dr. Lin, I noticed white stools when I had a bowel movement on Monday (April 12). After researching online, I found that the symptoms related to my condition could be gallstones and hepatitis. A few years ago, I had an abdominal ultrasound for hepatitis B and w...


Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Normal stool is yellow, while white stool is often caused by the inability of bile to flow, which can be due to liver, gallbladder, or pancreatic diseases. Common causes include bile duct obstruction. If bile duct obstruction is suspected, there may also be symptoms such a...

[Read More] Understanding White Stool: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help


Do Gallstones and Cholecystitis Always Require Gallbladder Removal?

Is gallbladder removal necessary for gallstones accompanied by cholecystitis? Two weeks ago, I experienced pain on the right side of my abdomen and went to the emergency room. Blood tests showed abnormalities: CRP: 162, Total Bilirubin: 1.5, Segmented Neutrophils: 80, Lymphocytes...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Cholecystectomy is still recommended; please discuss any related issues with your attending physician.

[Read More] Do Gallstones and Cholecystitis Always Require Gallbladder Removal?


Understanding Post-Cholecystectomy Pain and Bloating After Gallbladder Removal

Cholecystectomy Hello: I would like to ask, I had my gallbladder removed 3 years ago, and now when I eat oily foods, I do not experience diarrhea, but I do have cramping pain in the area where the gallbladder was removed, and I also experience bloating. What could be the reason f...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It may be post-cholecystectomy syndrome; follow-up with ultrasound and apply local heat therapy.

[Read More] Understanding Post-Cholecystectomy Pain and Bloating After Gallbladder Removal


Do You Always Need Gallbladder Removal for a 0.8 cm Gallstone?

Gallstones - Cholecystectomy Hello, Doctor: A family member has recently been diagnosed with a 0.8 cm gallstone in the gallbladder. After confirmation by the physician, it has been recommended to undergo cholecystectomy. Is it necessary to remove the gallbladder for just one 0.8 ...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If there are symptoms of abdominal pain and the treatment is ineffective, or if there is a frequent need to travel abroad, surgery is recommended. If there are no symptoms, monitoring is advised.

[Read More] Do You Always Need Gallbladder Removal for a 0.8 cm Gallstone?


Should My 67-Year-Old Father Have His Gallbladder Removed?

Should the gallbladder be removed? Hello, doctor: My father is 67 years old and has diabetes. He was hospitalized for 11 days due to cholecystitis. The hospital performed drainage and used endoscopy to remove stones from the common bile duct. After his blood tests and bowel movem...


Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, A 67-year-old male with diabetes, gallstones, and cholecystitis has undergone endoscopic stone removal and drainage for common bile duct stones. To assess the patient's clinical condition, it is generally noted that patients with a history of gallstones and cholecys...

[Read More] Should My 67-Year-Old Father Have His Gallbladder Removed?


Understanding Gallbladder Surgery: Managing Complications and Recovery

Cholecystectomy Consultation Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to ask about my father, who is 78 years old and was hospitalized due to pancreatitis caused by gallstones (with inflammatory markers over 2000). Since he was unwilling to undergo surgery, the doctor opted for percutaneou...


Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Currently, there are a few options: 1. Observation. We can wait until the bile drainage decreases before removing the tube. The normal stool color (rather than grayish-white) indicates that the bile duct is patent. 2. If the drainage volume does not decrease, we may consider perf...

[Read More] Understanding Gallbladder Surgery: Managing Complications and Recovery


Gallbladder Issues: Is Surgery Necessary for Patients with Liver Concerns?

Gallbladder issues Last week, I had a follow-up examination, and my ALKP level was 379, with a normal range being 320. The doctor mentioned that the ultrasound showed a lot of gallstones and thickening of the gallbladder wall, and recommended cholecystectomy. Given my current con...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, if there is no improvement with monitoring, it is recommended to proceed with excision to prevent potential future changes. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian

[Read More] Gallbladder Issues: Is Surgery Necessary for Patients with Liver Concerns?


Managing Gallbladder Surgery Risks in Patients with Heart Conditions

Cholecystectomy Hello, Director. Thank you for your response today regarding the following: "Issues with heart valves need to be evaluated and managed by both cardiology and cardiac surgery to prevent long-term cardiac dysfunction. Once the heart is stable, gallbladder surge...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. You can discuss with the cardiothoracic surgeon regarding the adjustments needed for medications after heart surgery if an emergency cholecystectomy is required. This is to minimize the risks of bleeding and infection. What potential changes may occur during this peri...

[Read More] Managing Gallbladder Surgery Risks in Patients with Heart Conditions


Post-Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Understanding Your Recovery Pain

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy Hello Doctor: I just had laparoscopic gallbladder surgery last Thursday. I'm not sure if it's because I lay in the operating room and recovery room for seven hours on the day of the surgery, but I've been experiencing soreness in the mi...


Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It is recommended that you return to the surgeon for a follow-up appointment to inquire in detail about your condition. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-Shun.

[Read More] Post-Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Understanding Your Recovery Pain


Understanding Gallbladder Stones: Risks, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Gallstones Hello, I was diagnosed with gallstones after giving birth in 2011, although previous health checks before pregnancy did not show any gallstones. During my pregnancy, I experienced severe morning sickness. I have been living with gallstones for nearly seven years now an...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss. According to the latest concepts, middle-aged individuals with gallstones should consider cholecystectomy, especially those who are symptomatic or frequently travel abroad. Other cancer risk factors are still under research. Changhua Hospital cares about your health....

[Read More] Understanding Gallbladder Stones: Risks, Symptoms, and Treatment Options


Understanding Post-Cholecystectomy Symptoms and Cancer Risks

Please explain the effects after gallbladder removal? Hello, Director Chen. I had my gallbladder removed at the age of 32 due to a one-centimeter polyp based on my physician's recommendation. Since then, I occasionally feel a vague discomfort in my right lower rib area, whic...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Sir, many of your localized abnormal sensations are caused by the surgery and do not pose a health risk. Additionally, it is recommended to regularly monitor for occult blood in the stool after the age of fifty. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian

[Read More] Understanding Post-Cholecystectomy Symptoms and Cancer Risks


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