JULES VUOTTO
By Troy Kerner, D.O. General Surgery
The gallbladder is a tiny sac filled with fluid situated in the right upper part of the abdomen. This fluid, known as bile, is produced by the liver and helps to break down fatty foods in the intestine after a meal. However, sometimes the gallbladder can become blocked by gallstones, leading to what is commonly referred to as a gallbladder “attack.”
During a gallbladder attack, the gallbladder struggles to push out bile due to the blockage caused by gallstones. This can result in intense pain in the upper abdomen that may radiate to the right rib cage and shoulder blade area. Nausea and vomiting are also common symptoms. The pain typically occurs 1 to 2 hours after eating, but it can also wake you from sleep late at night. The duration of the pain can vary, lasting anywhere from 20 minutes to several hours (known as biliary colic) or even more than 6 to 8 hours (acute cholecystitis). Prolonged pain often requires a trip to the emergency room, potential hospital admission, and treatment with antibiotics or surgery.
If you are experiencing intermittent symptoms like those described, it is advisable to undergo an ultrasound of the gallbladder to check for gallstones. This test can be performed in the emergency room for persistent pain or arranged by your primary care doctor or surgeon. It is essential to rule out other medical conditions such as heart-related issues or stomach problems.
In cases where gallbladder symptoms are suspected, treatment options include a lifelong avoidance of fatty foods or surgical removal of the gallbladder and gallstones. The surgery is typically done laparoscopically through a few small incisions, allowing for same-day discharge and less postoperative pain. Most patients are back to their normal activities within 4 to 5 days post-surgery.
With more than 20 years of experience, Dr. Kerner is a board-certified General Surgeon renowned for his expertise. He has successfully completed over 1,000 gallbladder surgeries and more than 2,000 laparoscopic procedures for gallbladder disease, hernias, and intestinal disorders. To schedule an appointment, please call 215-891-1430 or visit our website at www.lowerbuckshosp.com.