Jaundice, Gastroenterology and Hepatology FAQ

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Understanding Gallbladder Polyps and Liver Cysts: Symptoms and Concerns

Gallbladder polyp measuring 0.4 cm, multiple hepatic cysts with the largest measuring 5 cm? I have been feeling unusually fatigued and uncomfortable during sleep for over six months, and I sometimes wake up due to this discomfort. Additionally, I have experienced bowel movements ...


Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
It is recommended to conduct blood tests to assess liver and gallbladder function in cases of white stool. Differential diagnoses include hepatitis, anemia, and obstructive jaundice. Gallbladder polyps should be monitored for size and morphology. As for multiple intrahepatic cyst...

[Read More] Understanding Gallbladder Polyps and Liver Cysts: Symptoms and Concerns


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


Understanding Grayish-White Stool: Potential Liver and Digestive Issues

Stool that is pale gray or white in color? Hello Doctor: Since last year, my bowel movements have become unusual. Previously, there was only a small corner of my stool that appeared gray, and I didn't pay much attention to it. However, today I noticed that half of my stool i...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Further observation is recommended. If symptoms persist or if there is weight loss, medical evaluation should be sought.

[Read More] Understanding Grayish-White Stool: Potential Liver and Digestive Issues


Is There a Link Between Drug Residues and Jaundice?

Is there a relationship between drug residues and jaundice? A few days ago, I was hospitalized for acute pancreatitis for three days, during which I received antibiotics and pain medication. Before being hospitalized, my blood tests showed no signs of jaundice, but after three da...


Dr. Hu Guozheng Reply:
Hello, the symptoms of acute pancreatitis include jaundice. If you have any concerns, please consult your attending physician. Thank you.

[Read More] Is There a Link Between Drug Residues and Jaundice?


Understanding Liver, Gallbladder, and Pancreas Tests: What to Expect

Examinations of the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas system? Hello, because I experience diarrhea after consuming greasy foods, my doctor suggested that I undergo tests for the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas system. What kind of tests are these? Do I need to fast or provide a s...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If the gallbladder is not removed, and there is biliary obstruction or recurrent pancreatitis accompanied by jaundice and weight loss, it is often not a biliary or pancreatic issue, but rather a motility disorder.

[Read More] Understanding Liver, Gallbladder, and Pancreas Tests: What to Expect


Understanding Hepatitis Infection Risks from Sexual Activities

Risk of Hepatitis Infection through Sexual Activity Hello, doctor. I found online that engaging in risky behaviors can increase the risk of hepatitis infection, so I have some questions to ask. 1. Is there a possibility of contracting hepatitis A, B, or C, or other types of hep...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
First, it is best to confirm whether the other person has hepatitis (and HIV, etc.). If this cannot be confirmed, then check if you have hepatitis yourself. After that, retest after 1 and 3 months. If there are symptoms of hepatitis (nausea, loss of appetite, jaundice), seek medi...

[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis Infection Risks from Sexual Activities


Understanding Tea-Colored Urine in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients

Brown urine in the context of hepatitis B concerns? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you about my situation. I have been a carrier of hepatitis B since childhood, and recently, in the past week, I have experienced two episodes of tea-colored urine, both occurring around 3:00 PM...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
The described symptoms are likely unrelated to hepatitis B and may be due to dietary pigments or urinary tract issues (such as minor bleeding). It is advisable to consult a urologist for a urinalysis.

[Read More] Understanding Tea-Colored Urine in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients


Understanding Elevated Total Bilirubin Levels: What You Need to Know

Total bilirubin Hello Doctor: Recently, my health check report showed elevated total bilirubin (T-Bil) at 1.99 mg/dL, elevated direct bilirubin (D-Bil) at 0.58 mg/dL, elevated r-GT at 151 U/L (I do not drink alcohol), and elevated GPT at 79 U/L. I would like to ask the doctor abo...


Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Abnormal liver function and mixed hyperbilirubinemia—where the ratio of direct bilirubin to total bilirubin is between 25-50%—may require differential diagnosis including various types of hepatitis (metabolic, drug-induced, alcoholic, viral, autoimmune diseases) and hematological...

[Read More] Understanding Elevated Total Bilirubin Levels: What You Need to Know


Understanding Pancreatic Cancer: Stool Color Changes Explained

Pancreatic cancer? 1. Is it possible for the stool of a patient with pancreatic cancer to show a combination of yellow-brown and gray-white colors? 2. Can the stool of a patient with pancreatic cancer alternate between gray-white one day and yellow-brown the next day?


Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Pancreatic cancer can cause stool to appear partially yellow-brown and partially gray-white. When there is biliary obstruction, the stool may appear gray-white. The color of the stool is related to the degree of bile duct obstruction. Pancreatic tumors, especially those in the he...

[Read More] Understanding Pancreatic Cancer: Stool Color Changes Explained


Early Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer: What to Watch For

Pancreatic cancer? In the early stages of pancreatic cancer, there are typically no symptoms. However, when symptoms do occur, the first symptom that usually appears is abdominal pain. The second symptom that may follow is jaundice, which is characterized by yellowing of the skin...


Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Most pancreatic cancer refers to pancreatic adenocarcinoma, while a small portion consists of neuroendocrine tumors that present differently. Symptoms of pancreatic adenocarcinoma include weakness, weight loss, nausea, upper abdominal pain, dark urine, jaundice, back pain, diarrh...

[Read More] Early Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer: What to Watch For


Is Abdominal Pain Normal After Biliary Stent Placement?

Biliary stent Hello, I was recently hospitalized due to jaundice and underwent ERCP for the placement of a biliary stent. The doctor discharged me the next day. I would like to know if it is normal to experience abdominal pain after stent placement. Currently, I have a dull pain ...


Dr. Hu Guozheng Reply:
Jaundice that necessitates the placement of a biliary stent indicates obstructive jaundice, which itself has underlying causes. Common causes include bile duct stones, tumor obstruction, and so on, which may also be associated with cholangitis. The placement of the stent may not ...

[Read More] Is Abdominal Pain Normal After Biliary Stent Placement?


Understanding Pancreatic Cancer: Early Symptoms and Late-Stage Signs

Pancreatic cancer? 1. What are the early symptoms of pancreatic cancer? 2. Are the stools in pancreatic cancer completely grayish-white or a mix of yellow-brown with grayish-white? Is it normal for the stools to be yellow-brown mixed with grayish-white? 3. What are the sympto...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
In the early stages, there are no symptoms at all, and stool color is not a reliable indicator. In the late stages, there may be a weight loss of several kilograms and jaundice.

[Read More] Understanding Pancreatic Cancer: Early Symptoms and Late-Stage Signs


Understanding White Stool: When to Seek Medical Attention for Gastrointestinal Issues

Bowel movement issues Today, I had a bowel movement that was about 2-3 centimeters long and white in color, while the rest were of a slightly normal color. Aside from my gastrointestinal discomfort, I have not experienced any other symptoms recently, such as jaundice, yellowing a...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is recommended to continue self-monitoring.

[Read More] Understanding White Stool: When to Seek Medical Attention for Gastrointestinal Issues


Understanding Stool and Urine Color Changes: When to Seek Help

Issues with Stool Color Hello, I currently have one gallstone and moderate fatty liver. Recently, I've noticed that my urine and stool are both very yellow in the morning. I initially thought it might be jaundice; my urine has a slight tea color, and my stool is a golden yel...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Slightly concentrated urine in the morning is still considered normal.

[Read More] Understanding Stool and Urine Color Changes: When to Seek Help


Abdominal Cramps and Diarrhea: When to Seek Medical Help While Traveling

Intermittent cramping abdominal pain and diarrhea? Hello Doctor, I am currently traveling in Japan. The night before last, I felt some bloating in my stomach before going to bed. I woke up in the middle of the night with abdominal pain and had diarrhea. The pain has continued, so...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Testing is available to determine if there is a COVID-19 infection. Additionally, dietary and medication management for symptoms is necessary. If the sclera (the white part of the eyes) also turns yellow (jaundice), medical attention is required.

[Read More] Abdominal Cramps and Diarrhea: When to Seek Medical Help While Traveling


Weight Loss Concerns: Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues and Stress

Weight loss over the past year? Hello, doctor. I am a 32-year-old male, 172 cm tall and weighing 56 kg. Since November 2021, I have been experiencing belching and bloating after meals. I have consulted both Western and Traditional Chinese medicine, and they suggested possible gas...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Please discuss with the attending physician about increasing caloric intake and whether to consult or refer to other specialties for assistance in diagnosis and treatment.

[Read More] Weight Loss Concerns: Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues and Stress


Understanding Elevated Total Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Concerns

Elevated total bilirubin? Hello Dr. Tsai! Recently, I have been experiencing a dull pain in my upper right abdomen, and I'm unsure if it is nerve or muscle pain, so I went to the hospital for an examination. The test results are as follows: Creatinine "1.13" mg/dL,...


Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The total bilirubin level of "1.8" mg/dL is elevated, and the AST level is "46" U/L, which is also elevated, while the ALT level is "29" U/L. This may be related to alcohol and medication (herbal medicine) intake, so it would be advisable to c...

[Read More] Understanding Elevated Total Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Concerns


Understanding Mild Pancreatitis: Symptoms and Concerns for Patients

Pancreatitis Hello Doctor: I am 32 years old. I do not smoke or drink alcohol. For the past two months, I have been experiencing occasional hiccups and slight pain in my lower left back, but it goes away after a good night's sleep. Four days ago, I went to the emergency room...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
You can discuss with the gastroenterologist whether further examinations are necessary.

[Read More] Understanding Mild Pancreatitis: Symptoms and Concerns for Patients


Understanding Mild Pancreatitis: Symptoms and Concerns for Patients

Pancreatitis Hello Doctor: I am 32 years old. I do not smoke or drink alcohol. For the past two months, I have been experiencing occasional hiccups and slight pain in my lower left back, but it usually goes away after a good night's sleep. Four days ago, I went to the emerge...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
You can discuss with the gastroenterologist whether further examinations are necessary.

[Read More] Understanding Mild Pancreatitis: Symptoms and Concerns for Patients


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