Understanding Acute Cholecystitis: Key Questions and Concerns
Questions about acute cholecystitis? In late January, I experienced upper abdominal cramping and went to the emergency room where I received pain relief injections. The next day, I had pain in my right abdomen and a high fever, leading me to return to the hospital for blood tests...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: The primary treatment for gallstones is surgical removal of the gallbladder. The indication for surgery is not related to the size or number of stones, but rather whether there are symptoms present. After gallbladder removal, the main impact is on the digestion and absorpt...[Read More] Understanding Acute Cholecystitis: Key Questions and Concerns
Post-Cholecystectomy Diet: Tips for Encouraging Appetite in Seniors
Diet After Gallbladder Removal My grandmother had her gallbladder removed around the age of forty due to gallstones. Her dinner portions are very small, typically just two or three bites, and the meals prepared at home are quite bland. For the past five years until last year, she...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: Gallbladder surgery generally does not affect digestion, but it may lead to softer stools. The amount of food intake depends on individual needs, as long as you are healthy. If you experience indigestion, you can visit a gastroenterology clinic for treatment. Changhu...[Read More] Post-Cholecystectomy Diet: Tips for Encouraging Appetite in Seniors
Understanding Risks and Treatment Options for Elderly Patients with Gallstones
Risks of Gallstone Removal in the Elderly Hello, Doctor. My mother is 91 years old and has had gallstones for 30 years without any issues. A month ago, one of the stones lodged in the pancreatic duct, causing pancreatitis, and she was hospitalized for a week before returning home...
Dr. You Ligang Reply:
Your mother is likely suffering from gallstones and choledocholithiasis complicated by pancreatitis. The physician's recommendation is to follow the standard treatment protocol, which includes endoscopic papillotomy and stone extraction, as it is necessary. The risks involve...[Read More] Understanding Risks and Treatment Options for Elderly Patients with Gallstones
Managing Gallstones: When to Consider Surgery and Your Options
Gallstones Hello Dr. Chen, I have been diagnosed with gallstones, approximately 7 to 8 in number. I asked my doctor if surgery is necessary, and he said to wait until I experience pain before considering it. He mentioned that it is possible to live with them without issues for a ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, the indications for gallstone surgery are determined by symptoms rather than the number or size of the stones. In principle, if there are more than one episode per year, that is an indication for surgery. If there is no history of abdominal surgery, laparoscopic cholecyste...[Read More] Managing Gallstones: When to Consider Surgery and Your Options
Post-Cholecystectomy Pain: Understanding Recovery After Gallbladder Surgery
Gallstones complicated by cholecystitis? Recently, I underwent surgery for gallstones complicated by cholecystitis. It's been about two weeks since the procedure, and I still experience mild pain while breathing. Following my attending physician's initial recommendation...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, after gallbladder removal, the healing of the surgical wound and recovery from pain can vary from case to case, with some individuals experiencing discomfort for one to two years. However, if the pain is severe, especially within one to two months post-surgery, and is acco...[Read More] Post-Cholecystectomy Pain: Understanding Recovery After Gallbladder Surgery
Understanding Gallstones: Medications, Remedies, and Dietary Tips
Gallstones Hello, Doctor: I am currently taking the following medications: Urso 100mg, Dimethicone (Kascoal) 40mg, Pantoloc 40mg, and Tallex 212.5mg/5mg. My doctor informed me that I have gallstones, but did not mention whether these medications are related to my condition. I fou...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, the principle of treatment for gallstones is to observe if there are no symptoms. If there are more than one episode per day, cholecystectomy is necessary. Ursodeoxycholic acid (Urs) is a gallstone dissolving agent; however, it is often ineffective for gallstone disease in...[Read More] Understanding Gallstones: Medications, Remedies, and Dietary Tips
Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Risks, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Gallbladder polyp Dr. Lin: Hello, my husband is a carrier of hepatitis B. He had an abdominal ultrasound yesterday, which showed a gallbladder polyp measuring 0.37 cm. I would like to ask: 1. Since it is a single polyp and not multiple, is there a possibility that it could be mal...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. Most gallbladder polyps are benign, while malignant polyps are generally larger, usually greater than 1 cm, and tend to have an irregular shape, sometimes accompanied by changes in the gallbladder wall. 2. Ultrasound monitoring is the most convenient examination; occasi...[Read More] Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Risks, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Post-Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Follow-Up Care and Common Concerns
Cholecystectomy After undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy, it has been almost 8 months. Do I need follow-up examinations? Are there any potential complications? If I need to be examined, what should be checked? Post-surgery, I sometimes experience a dull, tingling, itchy sens...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Mr. Chumg Fu: Generally, if there are no specific symptoms, there is no need for a follow-up visit. If you are experiencing loose stools, it is advisable to reduce your intake of oily foods. However, if you do experience discomfort or if your weight continues to decrease, pl...[Read More] Post-Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Follow-Up Care and Common Concerns
Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Symptoms, Effects, and Treatment Options
Gallbladder polyp Gallbladder sludge can have various effects on the body and may lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and indigestion. In some cases, it can cause complications like cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder) or pancreatitis (inflammati...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
1. Gallbladder polyps are small nodules that protrude outward from the mucosal layer of the gallbladder due to hyperplasia. Polyps are considered tissue overgrowths and typically do not present symptoms. Most are discovered incidentally during ultrasound examinations, and patholo...[Read More] Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Symptoms, Effects, and Treatment Options
Exploring Alternatives to Gallbladder and Spleen Removal in Cancer Surgery
Help! Help! Grandma... It's very urgent..? My grandmother is about 70 years old and has recently been diagnosed with gastric adenocarcinoma. There is a 5 cm tumor in her stomach. According to the doctor, the plan is to remove her entire stomach, as well as her gallbladder an...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Mr. Hsieh, There are no strict regulations regarding whether a cholecystectomy or splenectomy is required during gastric resection. If it is deemed necessary, it can be performed during the gastric resection, or if there is a concern about potential future complications fr...[Read More] Exploring Alternatives to Gallbladder and Spleen Removal in Cancer Surgery
Post-Gallbladder Surgery: Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes and Next Steps
Post-cholecystectomy Hello Dr. Chen, my sister (40 years old) recently underwent a cholecystectomy in Shanghai due to gallstones causing cholecystitis. Upon discharge, her liver enzymes were found to be slightly elevated, and the doctor prescribed hepatoprotective medication. How...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello: First, it is important to understand the postoperative condition. Is the recovery normal? Why has the patient been hospitalized for 10 days after surgery? Are there any complications? Besides gallstones and cholecystitis, could there also be bile duct stones or cholangitis...[Read More] Post-Gallbladder Surgery: Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes and Next Steps
Post-Cholecystectomy: Understanding Long-Term Effects and Dietary Concerns
Is there no problem after gallbladder and common bile duct removal? Recently, I underwent a cholecystectomy and common bile duct resection with jejunal anastomosis due to a cyst in the common bile duct complicated by stones (the doctor mentioned that a segment of the small intest...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. Due to the resection of the common bile duct, the hepatic duct is directly connected to the intestine. This results in the loss of the protective function and sphincter control of the original bile duct, theoretically increasing the risk of intestinal contents ...[Read More] Post-Cholecystectomy: Understanding Long-Term Effects and Dietary Concerns
Understanding Gallstones: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Gallstones Recently, I went for a health check-up with my husband, and the doctor performed an abdominal ultrasound and X-ray, which revealed that I have gallstones. This made me realize why I often feel fatigued, have headaches, and generally have lower energy levels than others...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, the exact cause of gallstone formation is still not fully understood. Women, individuals with obesity, those with cirrhosis, and patients with hemolytic diseases are at a higher risk. Approximately 20-40% of patients with gallstones experience symptoms, which include upper...[Read More] Understanding Gallstones: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Bile Reflux: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Bile reflux I have pain and bloating under my right rib, upper abdominal bloating, and a feeling of nausea. I have already undergone gastroscopy and ultrasound examinations, which revealed severe bile reflux. The clinic doctor has prescribed Cospanon and Strocain. Recently, I oft...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, you are experiencing pain under the right rib and in the upper abdomen of unknown origin (gastroscopy and ultrasound show no significant findings, only bile reflux). Your physician may suspect a dysfunction of the duodenal papilla sphincter or abnormalities in the bile duc...[Read More] Understanding Bile Reflux: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Surgery, Risks, and Recovery
Gallbladder polyp I would like to ask the doctor about gallbladder polyp removal. 1. For a 1 cm polyp, is it recommended to remove the entire gallbladder? 2. What are the significant impacts on the body if the entire gallbladder is removed? 3. Is the surgical risk high? Is it con...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. Gallbladder polyps larger than 1 cm have a higher chance of becoming tumors, and it is generally recommended to surgically remove the entire gallbladder. 2. After gallbladder removal, bile will still be secreted by the liver; however, without the gallbladder t...[Read More] Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Surgery, Risks, and Recovery
Understanding the Effects and Risks of Gallbladder Removal Surgery
Does gallbladder removal have an impact on the body? Due to long-term stomach pain, I have only been taking painkillers, but a recent CT scan revealed that my gallbladder is enlarged and has decayed. I am deeply concerned about the potential effects and complications after its re...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, if cholecystitis has led to gallbladder perforation or rupture, it generally results in acute peritonitis, and failing to perform surgery to remove the gallbladder could pose a life-threatening risk. Unless there is a more chronic formation of a localized abscess in the ri...[Read More] Understanding the Effects and Risks of Gallbladder Removal Surgery
Which Specialist Should I See for Gallbladder and Digestive Issues?
I'm not sure which department to visit? Hello Dr. Chen, I apologize for taking up your time, but I have a question I would like to ask you. Recently, I visited the hospital due to discomfort in my abdomen. After an X-ray, the doctor found no abnormalities in my lower back, ...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. On the X-ray, the area below the right breast corresponds to the liver and gallbladder region. The presence of a white shadow in this area raises the possibility of gallstones. Have you informed your previous physician about this? If you need to follow up, plea...[Read More] Which Specialist Should I See for Gallbladder and Digestive Issues?
Understanding Gallstones: Symptoms, Risks, and Pregnancy Considerations
Gallstones Dr. Chen, I have gallstones in my gallbladder. I read in previous Q&A that symptoms may include chills or fever. However, I usually feel cold and occasionally at night I suddenly feel very cold, to the point of shivering, but it passes after a while. Is this a seri...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, the onset of gallstones typically presents with pain. If there is cholecystitis, it would be accompanied by fever and tenderness in the right upper abdomen. Your symptoms do not seem to align with this issue, making it difficult to determine if they are caused by gallstone...[Read More] Understanding Gallstones: Symptoms, Risks, and Pregnancy Considerations
Post-Surgery Digestive Issues: Persistent Bloating and Loss of Appetite
Postoperative loss of appetite, persistent belching, and flatulence? I underwent surgery to remove my uterus and left ovary due to uterine fibroids on May 5th. However, post-surgery, I have been experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort and have been eating very little, resulting ...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, after undergoing a hysterectomy and oophorectomy, you mentioned experiencing decreased appetite, belching, flatulence, and weight loss. I'm curious if you are also experiencing abdominal pain or bloating, and how your bowel movements have been. Is there a possibility ...[Read More] Post-Surgery Digestive Issues: Persistent Bloating and Loss of Appetite
Understanding Bile Duct Issues: A Case Study of Gallbladder Surgery
Bile duct The patient, a 28-year-old female, experienced stomach pain in mid-January 2004 and was diagnosed with a gastric ulcer after undergoing an endoscopy and a CT scan at the hospital. The CT scan revealed an enlarged bile duct, and she was referred to another hospital for a...
Dr. Yang Peizhen Reply:
Hello! Based on your description, the diagnosis seems to be choledochal cyst, which is classified into several types (Type I to Type VI). The treatment approach varies depending on the specific type, with surgical intervention being the primary consideration. This is a response f...[Read More] Understanding Bile Duct Issues: A Case Study of Gallbladder Surgery