Gallbladder Disease Treatment in Katy, TX
Gallbladder disease includes several conditions affecting the gallbladder, such as gallstones, inflammation of the gallbladder, gallbladder polyps, and other disorders of the biliary system. Gallstones may sometimes block the flow of bile and cause abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or inflammation. At Katy Integrative Gastroenterology, our gastroenterology team evaluates gallbladder-related symptoms and helps patients understand their diagnostic and treatment options.
If you experience recurring pain in the upper right abdomen, particularly after meals, or symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, fever, or jaundice, a gastroenterologist in Katy, TX can evaluate your symptoms and determine whether gallbladder disease may be contributing to your condition. Depending on your symptoms, evaluation may include blood tests and imaging such as an abdominal ultrasound or other appropriate studies.
What is Gallbladder Disease?
Gallbladder disease is an umbrella term for several conditions affecting the gallbladder. Inflammation of the gallbladder wall (cholecystitis) is responsible for a majority of the gallbladder diseases. Diseases of the gallbladder include gallstones, gallbladder polyps, gallbladder cancer, and sclerosing cholangitis.
Causes of Gallbladder Disease
Most cases of cholecystitis are associated with the presence of stones in the gallbladder. Usually, gallstones do not cause any problem or symptoms, but may sometimes block the bile duct, trapping the bile in the gallbladder. The trapped bile causes inflammation of the walls of the gallbladder, leading to swelling and pain. The inflamed gallbladder may also become infected.
Rarely, cholecystitis occurs without the presence of gallstones. This type of acute cholecystitis is referred to as acalculous cholecystitis. It is a more serious form of cholecystitis and tends to occur with gallbladder injury during surgery, prolonged fasting, critical illnesses or when a problem with the immune system occurs.
Impact Gallbladder diseases can impact your health significantly by causing severe abdominal pain and decreased quality of life.
Anatomy of Gallbladder
The gallbladder is a hollow pear-shaped organ that lies just below the liver. Its primary function is to store bile, a thick yellow-green liquid produced in the liver. Bile aids in the digestion of fatty foods. Stored bile drains out from the gallbladder into the common bile duct, which opens into the small intestine.
Symptoms of Gallbladder Disease
Gallbladder disease leads to severe abdominal pain. The pain is felt on the right side of the upper abdomen and may travel to the back or right shoulder. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and fever.
Diagnosis of Gallbladder Disease
Problems with the gallbladder are diagnosed by reviewing your medical history and performing a thorough physical examination. Your doctor may recommend X-ray imaging, abdominal ultrasound or nuclear scanning tests to detect the presence of gallstones which may be blocking the path of bile and thickening the gallbladder wall. Blood tests may be ordered to check for signs of infection, obstruction, and jaundice.
Treatments for Gallbladder Disease
Treatments depend on the type of gallbladder disease. The first-line treatment for most gallbladder diseases includes antibiotics. In cases of small and unclarified gallstones, certain medications can be prescribed to dissolve them. Lithotripsy (use of shock waves) is another non-invasive procedure that can be used to crush the gallstones, where the fragments of the stones are flushed out through the urine.
When you experience multiple gallbladder episodes, a surgery called cholecystectomy is most often recommended. The surgery can be performed through a less invasive approach or the traditional open surgery to remove the gallbladder.
Fortunately, the gallbladder is an organ you can live without. Gallbladder removal most often results in complete recovery and does not require a specific diet after the surgery.
Untreated Gallbladder Disease
If left untreated, the gallbladder becomes severely infected, causing some of the tissue to die and decay resulting in septicemia (blood poisoning), a life-threatening condition. In some cases, the gallbladder may even burst or an abnormal channel may develop between the gallbladder and gut due to the inflammation.
Surgical Treatment
Surgery Gallbladder surgery is considered the standard of care for gallbladder disease treatment. Cholecystectomy surgery involves the removal of the gallbladder and is usually performed through laparoscopy, a minimally invasive option as compared to open abdominal surgery which requires a long incision. In cases where gallstones are present inside the bile ducts, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) technique can be used during gallbladder surgery.
Preparation for Gallbladder Surgery
You may be instructed not to eat or drink anything at least six hours before the procedure in order to keep your stomach empty. Your surgeon will review your daily medications and may suggest those that you can take with a sip of water. You will be instructed on the medications that you need to avoid.
Surgical Procedure
Cholecystectomy
Gallbladder surgery can be performed through a minimally invasive approach where your surgeon makes several small incisions in your abdomen. Through one of the incisions a laparoscope, a small fiber-optic tube with a tiny camera, is inserted. Through this approach, your surgeon will be able to view the surgery on a large screen. Cholangiography (X-ray of the bile duct) is performed to view the bile duct for any abnormalities. Special surgical instruments are inserted through the other incisions to remove the gallbladder. If your surgeon finds stones in the bile duct, they can also be removed.
If tests show the gallbladder has severe inflammation, infection or scarring from other operations, the surgeon may perform open surgery to remove the gallbladder. In some cases, open surgery is planned; however, sometimes these problems are discovered during the laparoscopic procedure and the surgeon must make a larger incision in order to convert to open surgery.
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a procedure performed to remove gallstones blocking the bile ducts. The ERCP technique involves swallowing a long, flexible tube with a light source and camera called an endoscope, which helps your surgeon view the operating site on a monitor. The endoscope reaches the small intestine through the stomach and the affected duct is located by releasing a special dye. Your surgeon cuts the affected duct with tiny instruments passed through the endoscope and captures the gallstones in a mesh basket, which is then removed along with the endoscope.
Following the procedure, you may be discharged the same day if you have undergone a laparoscopic procedure or within 2 to 7 days in the case of an open procedure. Inform your doctor immediately if you experience high fever, chills, severe pain, stomach cramps, vomiting, yellowish skin, increased drainage from the site of incision and no bowel movements for three days.
Benefits of Gallbladder Surgery
Laparoscopic surgery requires minimal recovery time, shorter hospital stay, and you will experience less pain and discomfort after surgery, unlike traditional open surgery, which requires a longer hospital stay, recovery time and longer time to operate, and involves a larger scar.
Outcome
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a safe procedure that provides relief to symptoms of gallbladder disease. However, as with any procedure, cholecystectomy may involve certain risks and complications such as bleeding, blood clots, wound infection, or injury to the bile duct, intestine and blood vessels.
After the procedure, you will be given specific instructions with regard to your diet. You are instructed to eat high fiber foods and drink 8 to 10 glasses of water per day to avoid problems related to bowel movements. To relieve pain, you will be given pain-relieving medications after surgery.
Care should be taken while dealing with your wound. Remember to wash your hands before touching the dressing, and avoid soaking in the bathtub until your stitches are removed. Wearing tight-fitting clothes is not recommended as they may rub against your incisions and interfere with the healing process. In about 4 to 6 weeks, your scars will become soft and gradually fade.
Why Choose Katy Integrative Gastroenterology for Gallbladder Disease in Katy, TX?
Choosing a gastroenterology practice for gallbladder concerns involves more than finding a convenient location. At Katy Integrative Gastroenterology, our team provides personalized digestive care focused on understanding your symptoms and identifying potential causes.
We take the time to review your medical history, symptoms, medications, and individual concerns. When gallbladder disease is suspected, appropriate diagnostic testing can help evaluate the gallbladder, bile ducts, and surrounding digestive structures and guide the next steps in care.
Our practice also takes an integrative approach to digestive health, incorporating gastroenterology, nutrition, and functional medicine when appropriate. We focus on individualized recommendations based on your condition and overall digestive health.
When specialized surgical treatment is necessary, patients may be referred to an appropriate surgical specialist for procedures such as gallbladder removal. Patients in Katy, Houston, and surrounding communities can access comprehensive evaluation and digestive care close to home.
Gallbladder Disease FAQs
What is gallbladder disease?
Gallbladder disease refers to conditions that affect the gallbladder, including gallstones, cholecystitis, gallbladder polyps, and other disorders. Gallstones can sometimes block the flow of bile and lead to inflammation, pain, or other complications.
What are the symptoms of gallbladder disease?
Common symptoms may include pain in the upper right or upper middle abdomen, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Gallbladder-related pain may sometimes extend toward the back or right shoulder. Yellowing of the skin or eyes can indicate a bile duct problem and requires prompt medical evaluation.
How is gallbladder disease diagnosed?
Your gastroenterologist will review your symptoms and medical history and perform a physical examination. Depending on your individual situation, testing may include blood tests and imaging studies such as an abdominal ultrasound, X-ray, or other appropriate scans to evaluate the gallbladder and bile ducts.
Can gallstones cause abdominal pain?
Yes. Gallstones may cause pain when they block the normal flow of bile. Gallstone-related pain can occur in the upper abdomen and may be accompanied by nausea or vomiting. Some people have gallstones without experiencing symptoms and may not require treatment.
When is gallbladder surgery recommended?
Treatment depends on the type and severity of gallbladder disease. When symptomatic gallstones or recurrent gallbladder inflammation cause ongoing problems, surgical removal of the gallbladder, known as cholecystectomy, may be recommended. Your healthcare team can discuss the appropriate treatment based on your diagnosis.
Can you live without a gallbladder?
Yes. The gallbladder stores bile produced by the liver, but it is not essential for digestion. After gallbladder removal, bile continues to flow from the liver into the small intestine. Your healthcare team can provide individualized dietary and postoperative guidance following surgery.
Schedule a Gallbladder Disease Evaluation in Katy, TX
If you are experiencing recurring upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or other symptoms that may be related to your gallbladder, Katy Integrative Gastroenterology can help evaluate your digestive concerns and determine whether further testing or treatment is appropriate.
Our gastroenterology team provides personalized digestive care for patients in Katy, Houston, and surrounding communities. Contact our office to schedule a consultation and learn more about gallbladder disease evaluation and treatment in Katy, TX.
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