Understanding Right Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Right upper quadrant pain? Hello, I have a sudden pain located about one palm's width above my navel, slightly to the right side, just below my right rib cage. It hurts more when I press on it, and it also hurts when I stand, walk, or take a deep breath. Sitting in a chair o...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The common causes of abdominal pain in the area you mentioned are as follows: 1. Acute cholecystitis (both stone-related and non-stone-related): often accompanied by fever and chills. 2. Peptic ulcer disease (duodenal ulcer, gastric ulcer). 3. Liver abscess: often accompan...[Read More] Understanding Right Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Gallstone Risks: Movement and Growth Without Surgery
Movement of Gallstones Thank you, Dr. Chen, for your response. I would like to ask the doctor again, if surgery is not performed, will there always be a risk of 1) gallstones falling into the bile duct? 2) stones in the gallbladder increasing in size over time? Thank you. ------...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. A-Jie, 1. Currently, there is no definitive research confirming the likelihood. Generally speaking, the probability is not high. 2. Gallstones can increase in size over time, but the likelihood of developing cholecystitis is not necessarily correlated with the size o...[Read More] Understanding Gallstone Risks: Movement and Growth Without Surgery
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
Understanding Liver Tumors: Causes, Risks, and Treatment Options
Liver tumor issues? Dear Dr. Lin, 1. My father is 70 years old and has recently experienced some health issues. He has over ten tumors in his liver, but the biopsy report indicates that the largest one is necrotic, so the report appears to be fine. However, the doctor mentioned ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. There are instances where tumors may be associated with necrosis, and elevated CA 19-9 levels can indicate various conditions, including malignant ones such as pancreatic cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, and gastrointestinal cancers. Benign conditions may include cholecystit...[Read More] Understanding Liver Tumors: Causes, Risks, and Treatment Options
Should Surgery Be Considered for Gallbladder Atrophy?
Is cholecystectomy necessary for gallbladder atrophy? Hello Dr. Chen: My father previously experienced severe pain in the upper abdomen and first went to Hospital A for an ultrasound, which revealed a thickened gallbladder. The physician at Hospital A recommended surgery. He then...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, the prerequisite for an ultrasound examination of the gallbladder is fasting for at least 6-8 hours. If the examination reveals thickening of the gallbladder wall or atrophy while fasting, it often suggests the presence of gallstones along with chronic cholecystitis. In th...[Read More] Should Surgery Be Considered for Gallbladder Atrophy?
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 Symptoms: Spleen Inflammation vs. Gallstones
Regarding splenitis? The symptoms of left upper abdominal pain radiating to the back, accompanied by vomiting, belching, and occasional dizziness that lasts for a few minutes, could indicate either splenic inflammation or gallstones. However, these symptoms are more commonly asso...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Left upper abdominal pain with vomiting, belching, and dizziness. Differential diagnoses include esophageal, gastric, and duodenal diseases, as well as pancreatic disorders. Splenic enlargement due to various reasons (such as infections or hematologic diseases) can sometim...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Spleen Inflammation vs. Gallstones
Understanding Gallstones: Treatment Options and Health Implications
Gallstones Hello, doctor. I recently went to the hospital due to upper abdominal pain and was diagnosed with gallstones. The doctor suggested that if the pain persists, I should consider gallbladder removal. The doctor also prescribed medication for gallstones, but mentioned that...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
1. The gallbladder serves to store, concentrate, and excrete bile. After gallbladder removal, liver cells continue to secrete bile, but it cannot be stored. If excessive fatty foods are consumed, it may sometimes lead to malabsorption of fats. A minority of individuals may still ...[Read More] Understanding Gallstones: Treatment Options and Health Implications
Understanding Small Gallbladder: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Gallbladder? A small gallbladder was noted in the abdominal ultrasound report during your health check-up. What is a small gallbladder? What symptoms might it cause? Is any treatment necessary? Thank you!
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, the causes of gallbladder issues include insufficient eating time, gallstones, chronic cholecystitis, and individual differences in constitution. It is recommended to continue monitoring. Best wishes, Dr. Lin Ming-Hui, Taoyuan General Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Understanding Small Gallbladder: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Understanding Bloating and Discomfort in Acute Cholecystitis
Acute cholecystitis Acute cholecystitis can cause bloating and discomfort even when not eating due to several factors. The inflammation of the gallbladder can lead to irritation of the surrounding tissues and organs, which may affect the gastrointestinal tract's motility and...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
1. The gallbladder contains bile, and the secretion of bile can stimulate the pancreas to release digestive enzymes, aiding in the digestion and absorption of fats. 2. In acute cholecystitis, bile becomes infected, and bile obstruction prevents it from draining into the common ...[Read More] Understanding Bloating and Discomfort in Acute Cholecystitis
Understanding High RGT Levels: Implications and Management Strategies
What happens if RGT is too high? Recently, I participated in a family health check organized by the health bureau, and my health report indicated an RGT index as high as 172, which led to the insurance company denying coverage. What is the significance of the RGT index? Last year...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! γ-GT, or gamma-glutamyl transferase, is an enzyme predominantly found in the kidneys, liver, pancreas, serum, blood cells, and bile ducts. It is particularly sensitive to alcohol consumption, making it useful for screening for alcoholic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, or abnor...[Read More] Understanding High RGT Levels: Implications and Management Strategies
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
Managing Gallstones: What You Need to Know About Treatment Options
What should I do about gallstones? Hello Dr. Liu, I have been experiencing (suspected) stomach pain for many years due to work-related stress and irregular eating habits. About ten years ago, I suddenly had upper abdominal pain that radiated to my back, and each episode lasted at...
Dr. Liu Nanshan Reply:
Although upper abdominal pain is more indicative of a gastric or duodenal ulcer, your symptoms radiating to the back suggest that it may be caused by gallstones or cholecystitis. Additionally, duodenal ulcers are more common in younger individuals, so your gastric ulcer is likely...[Read More] Managing Gallstones: What You Need to Know About Treatment Options
Understanding Cholecystitis: Insights from a Patient's Journey
Cholangitis Hello, doctor: Yes, I have been hospitalized for over a week! Initially, I was at a municipal hospital in Tainan, but I was transferred to Cheng Kung University Hospital for more detailed examinations. I am currently waiting for the test results from Cheng Kung Univer...
Dr. Chen Jianhong Reply:
Hello! If you have any related questions, feel free to reach out.[Read More] Understanding Cholecystitis: Insights from a Patient's Journey
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
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 Pain Under the Right Rib: Causes and Solutions
Right rib cage I have pain below my right rib cage.
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, regarding the pain under your right rib cage, if there is no history of trauma, it may be necessary to consider potential issues with the liver or gallbladder, such as cholecystitis, gallstones, liver abscess, or liver tumors. It is advisable that if the pain persists, you...[Read More] Understanding Pain Under the Right Rib: Causes and Solutions
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
Essential Care Tips for Managing Mild Cirrhosis and Low Platelets
What should be noted in liver cirrhosis? Dear Dr. Yuan, My father has been suffering from mild cirrhosis for nearly two years. He has been undergoing regular liver check-ups, and sometimes his liver function tests show abnormal results. Recently, during an ultrasound, the gallbl...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello, there are several reasons why the gallbladder may not be visible during an abdominal ultrasound: 1. The patient may have undergone gallbladder removal surgery (or other abdominal surgeries that involved gallbladder removal). 2. The patient may not be fasting; after eating,...[Read More] Essential Care Tips for Managing Mild Cirrhosis and Low Platelets
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