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Free Medical Advice sponsored by
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Got an ache or pain? Have a question about a prescription or over-the-counter drug? Looking for some FREE medical advice?
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Question:
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| I was diagnosed with gallstones 10 years ago...I have had attacks sometimes twice a year and sometimes 20 times a year. would you recommend having my gallbladder taken out? What kind of complications can take effect if I continue not to have it removed?
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Answer:
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| It would be unprofessional to advise you to have surgery (or to defer it) on the basis of only the information below; this type of decision should be taken in discussion with the surgeon so that you fully aware of the risks of operating versus the risks of not operating. There are complications of repeated bouts of cholecystitis (inflammation / infection of the gall bladder) of which pain is the least dangerous - but unpleasant enough - and ascending cholangitis with septicaemia - spreading bloodborne infection - the much more dangerous. To state the obvious, 20 attacks per year must also interfere with enjoyment of life quite considerably so there would have to be good reasons to delay surgery further from the point of view of most doctors. However, you're the person undergoing surgery so we do recommend you take the time to review the decision with your doctor. If it is technically possible for you, laparoscopic removal of the gall bladder usually means less time in hospital and a shorter period of convalescence and may be a good choice.
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