Gallbladder Disease: Symptoms and Treatment Options

Gallstones are formed when substances in the bile, like cholesterol, harden. Gallstones can be unnoticeable or asymptomatic. However, if these stones become stuck in a duct, you may experience what is called a gallbladder attack.

Symptoms of a gallbladder attack include:

  • Tenderness in your abdomen when touched
  • Abdominal bloating
  • Yellow-ish color to your skin or white of your eyes
  • Nausea, belching, or vomiting
  • Fever or chills

Changing your diet to one low in saturated fats, sugar, carbs and high in fiber and calcium helps reduce bile concentration. Obesity is also a top predictor for gallstones, so maintaining a healthy weight and regular exercise can help lower cholesterol which can lead to the formation of gallstones. If symptoms worsen, surgery may be required for removal of the gallbladder.

Do you suffer from gallbladder attacks? Call our office today or request more information by completing the Contact Us form.

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How Your Gallbladder Can Affect Your General Health

“Someone who is having a gallbladder attack might experience sharp pain in their upper right or center abdomen. It can also travel to their back and turn into a dull pain," said Ryan Fahy, DO, general surgeon at McLaren Bay Region. "Causes and symptoms vary but eating fatty foods can often trigger discomfort to arise."

“Gallstones don’t always require surgery, but people with persistent symptoms should be aware of complications associated with more serious issues," adds Chris Uitvlugt, DO, general surgeon at McLaren Bay Region. “It’s important to discuss with your primary care physician or surgeon to determine if surgery would be beneficial," "Complications such as acute cholecystitis, pancreatitis, or cholangitis (due to inflammation in the gallbladder, pancreas, or liver) are among the risks with symptomatic gallstones."

Treatment options include non-surgical and surgical options. When surgery is the option, minimally invasive techniques using a robotic approach may be used, which can result in reduced recovery times and minimal scarring.

Because the gallbladder is not an essential organ, you can live a healthy life without it. Minimally invasive surgical procedures are common for the removal of the gallbladder, and you can usually go home on the day of the procedure.

If you have high cholesterol, have a family history of gallbladder disease, and/or are experiencing symptoms associated with gallstones, talk with your doctor about possible treatment plans.

To learn more, or to request a consultation, please fill out the form.

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Chris Uitvlugt, DO, General Surgeon
Chris Uitvlugt, DO
General Surgeon

Ryan Fahy, DO, General Surgeon

Ryan Fahy, DO
General Surgeon

Get in touch with our team today!

If you're interested in an appointment or more information, you may call us at (989) 779-5230 or simply fill out the form and we will contact you within 2 business days.

High Quality Surgical Care at McLaren Bay Region

McLaren surgeons specialize in the latest minmially invasive surgical techniques to provide the best treatment for our patients.

Our experienced surgeons will work with you to provide the best treatment plan including both non-surgical and surgical treatment options.

Common Conditions Treated include:

  • Minimally Invasive Surgery
    Abdominal Wall Hernia
    Appendix
    Colorectal
    Gallbladder
    Hiatal Hernia
    Inguinal Hernia
    Small Bowel
  • General Surgery
    Abdominal
    Breast
    Colonoscopy
    Hernia
    Skin & Soft Tissue
    Spleen
    Stomach
    Thyroid
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