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?
Understanding Gallbladder Removal Surgery: Methods and Pre-Procedure Care
Cholecystectomy surgical methods? Hello Dr. Chen, I have chronic cholecystitis with many gallstones and I am planning to undergo surgical removal. What are the current surgical methods? Is an enema typically performed before the surgery? (I am quite worried.)
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Most procedures are minimally invasive laparoscopic surgeries, which do not require bowel preparation; however, individual circumstances may vary, so it is advisable to discuss this with the attending surgeon.[Read More] Understanding Gallbladder Removal Surgery: Methods and Pre-Procedure Care
Understanding Sudden Breathing Pain After Bile Duct Stenting
Sudden sharp pain in the chest while breathing? I would like to ask the doctor if there are any records of gallstones passing after the placement of a stent. My situation is as follows: I was diagnosed with gallstones last month, and I currently have a stent placed in my bile duc...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Sudden sharp pain during breathing has occurred after the placement of a stent in the common bile duct. Small stones in the gallbladder and bile duct may pass spontaneously. However, due to the narrow size of the cystic duct, gallstones can sometimes become lodged, leading...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Breathing Pain After Bile Duct Stenting
Does Gallbladder Removal Increase Risk of Colon or Other Cancers?
Does gallbladder removal potentially cause colon cancer or other types of cancer? I am currently 40 years old and have a disability certificate due to severe depression, which prevents me from obtaining health insurance. I have incurred approximately $45,000 in medical expenses l...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello: There is still no definitive research proving a correlation. Esophageal ulcers are not directly related to gastric cancer.[Read More] Does Gallbladder Removal Increase Risk of Colon or Other Cancers?
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
Severe Upper Abdominal Pain at Night: Could Gallstones Be the Cause?
Experiencing upper abdominal pain for two consecutive nights that wakes you up, leading to a visit to the emergency room? Hello Doctor, a few days ago I experienced severe upper abdominal pain for two consecutive nights, waking up from the pain in my sleep. I initially thought it...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is still possible that the gallstone is temporarily lodged. If the pain occurs again, you can go to the emergency department for an ultrasound to confirm. The medication is not very effective, but surgery can be considered based on the situation and is not urgently needed at t...[Read More] Severe Upper Abdominal Pain at Night: Could Gallstones Be the Cause?
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
Managing Fatty Liver and Gastrointestinal Issues: Your Questions Answered
Inquiry and consultation? Hello Doctor: I had a liver ultrasound today. I have been associated with the hepatobiliary and gastroenterology department since many years ago due to elevated liver enzymes. In my younger days, I often stayed up late and had a penchant for sweet foods ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, fatty liver refers to the accumulation of fat in liver cells, which may sometimes cause fluctuations in liver enzyme levels, but typically involves minimal liver fibrosis. Once it progresses to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the liver may exhibit inflammation or fib...[Read More] Managing Fatty Liver and Gastrointestinal Issues: Your Questions Answered
Should My Father Have Gallbladder Surgery for Gallstones? Expert Advice Needed
Should the gallbladder be removed for gallstones? Inquire about capsule supplements recommended by pharmacies for gallstones? Hello Doctor, my father is 58 years old, does not smoke or drink, and runs 5 kilometers daily. He has mild hypertension (systolic blood pressure around 13...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Asymptomatic gallstones can be monitored; however, if there is discomfort in the right upper abdomen or under the right rib after meals, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly (as this may indicate that a gallstone is lodged at the cystic duct). There are currently no...[Read More] Should My Father Have Gallbladder Surgery for Gallstones? Expert Advice Needed
Understanding Gallbladder Removal: Symptoms, Risks, and Follow-Up Care
Bowel-related issues, cholecystectomy? Hello Doctor, my symptoms include sudden abdominal pain and diarrhea, with the stool being darker and having a sour smell. The frequency is irregular; sometimes it occurs for a few days every half month. I have gastroesophageal reflux diseas...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Small gallbladder polyps typically do not present any symptoms. It is recommended to regularly monitor the size changes of the polyps, and there is currently no need for immediate concern or anxiety.[Read More] Understanding Gallbladder Removal: Symptoms, Risks, and Follow-Up Care
Understanding Gallbladder Removal: Symptoms, Risks, and Follow-Up Care
Bowel-related issues, cholecystectomy? Hello Doctor, my symptoms include sudden abdominal pain and diarrhea, with the stool being darker and having a sour smell. The frequency is irregular; sometimes it occurs for a few days every half month. I have gastroesophageal reflux diseas...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Small gallbladder polyps typically do not present symptoms. It is recommended to regularly monitor the size changes of the polyps, and there is currently no need for immediate concern or anxiety.[Read More] Understanding Gallbladder Removal: Symptoms, Risks, and Follow-Up Care
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?
Increased Hair Loss in Hepatitis B Patients: Causes and Concerns
Patients with hepatitis B experience a noticeable increase in hair loss? Hello Doctor, I have some questions to ask you! My father is 63 years old and is a hepatitis B patient. He underwent gallbladder removal surgery five years ago and is currently taking Baraclude (entecavir) t...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
There have been no reports of this side effect yet.[Read More] Increased Hair Loss in Hepatitis B Patients: Causes and Concerns
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?
Do You Still Need Ursodeoxycholic Acid After Gallbladder Removal?
Medications after cholecystectomy (Ursodeoxycholic Acid) Dear Director, My 80-year-old father recently underwent an open surgery to remove a ruptured gallbladder and an abscess. He is currently recovering gradually after the surgery. He had been taking Ursodeoxycholic Acid (Urso...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss. While it is possible to refrain from taking medication, some physicians may continue to use it as a preventive measure against the recurrence of bile duct stones. Changhua Hospital is concerned about your health. - Chen Shidian[Read More] Do You Still Need Ursodeoxycholic Acid After Gallbladder Removal?
Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Size, Risks, and Treatment Options
Questions regarding gallbladder polyps? Hello, Director Chen. About nine years ago, during a health check-up, I was informed that I had several gallbladder polyps, the largest measuring 0.89 cm. For many years, I have undergone abdominal ultrasounds every six months to a year to ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. There is generally no need for this surgery, as it poses unnecessary surgical risks. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Size, Risks, and Treatment Options
Managing Gallstones: Surgical Risks with Heart Valve Issues
Gallbladder surgery Hello, Doctor. Last month, I went to the emergency room due to discomfort in my upper abdomen and was diagnosed with gallstones. I have scheduled surgery for gallbladder removal on January 19. However, during the emergency visit, three electrocardiograms were ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. It is essential to have a cardiologist and a cardiac surgeon evaluate and manage your heart valve issue to prevent long-term cardiac dysfunction. Once your heart is stable, you can proceed with gallbladder surgery; however, there is a risk of developing cholecystitis ...[Read More] Managing Gallstones: Surgical Risks with Heart Valve Issues
Understanding the Risks of Colorectal Cancer After Gallbladder Removal
Cholecystectomy Hello Doctor, due to my father's condition, I donated my liver, specifically the left lobe, and my gallbladder was also removed. I have been resting at home for almost a month since being discharged from the hospital. I came across information online suggesti...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello Mr. Lee, you are 30 years old. If there is no family history of colorectal cancer, you belong to a low-risk group. Additionally, gallbladder removal does not necessarily increase the risk of colorectal cancer. It is recommended that you consume more fruits and vegetables, e...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Colorectal Cancer After Gallbladder Removal
Persistent Pain After Gallbladder Removal: Seeking Answers and Solutions
Pain after gallbladder removal? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing discomfort and pain in my stomach and back since 2011, which has been severe enough to cause me to double over in pain. It wasn't until 2013 that I was diagnosed with gallstones and underwent traditional ...
Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
It is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist for examination.[Read More] Persistent Pain After Gallbladder Removal: Seeking Answers and Solutions