When you suffer from gallstones, you essentially have two decisions. You can have gallbladder removal surgery or not have surgery and wait to see if you have another severe pain attack. At Surgical Associates of South Florida, LLC in South Miami, FL, we understand that gallbladder surgery isn’t always the right choice. That’s why today we reveal six signs you should consider gallbladder surgery.
6 Signs You Should Consider Gallbladder Surgery
1. You Suffer From Unpredictable Pain Attacks
An astonishing 67% of people with gallstones who have had a pain attack caused by gallstones will experience severe attacks in the future. This pain is debilitating. If you have suffered from at least two pain attacks, you probably understand the nearly constant state of dread associated with not knowing when the next wave of pain will come.
2. You Suffer From Jaundice
Jaundice is an unfortunately common symptom of gallstones. It occurs when the common bile duct becomes blocked. The most common sign that you have jaundice is yellowing skin. It may also turn the whites of your eyes yellow and cause you to produce light-colored stools and very dark urine.
3. You Suffer From Inflammation or Serious Infection
Even worse than the unpredictable pain of gallstones is the pain from inflammation. Gallstones can cause your gallbladder, pancreas and bile ducts to experience severe episodes of inflammation or infection.
4. You Are Already At a Healthy Weight
Besides gallbladder surgery, there are only two things you can realistically do to prevent another attack. You can get down to a healthy weight through regular exercise and a balanced diet while avoiding rapid weight loss. However, if you are already at a healthy weight and have maintained a healthy weight for several months, gallbladder removal surgery is your only option for preventing future pain attacks.
5. You Are Often Sick
One of the consequences of regular periods of infection is a weakened immune system. This leaves you more vulnerable than others to common but sometimes dangerous illnesses like the flu. If you are sick on a regular basis, we strongly recommend scheduling a consultation at Surgical Associates of South Florida, LLC in South Miami, FL.
6. You Suffer From Biliary Dyskinesia or Choledocholithiasis
If you have been diagnosed with biliary dyskinesia or choledocholithiasis, you are an excellent candidate for gallbladder removal surgery and should strongly consider it. Biliary dyskinesia is a condition that occurs when the motion of the gallbladder is defective. This prevents the gallbladder from emptying bile properly.
Choledocholithiasis is a condition that occurs when gallstones have become stuck in the common bile duct. This causes a painful blockage that prevents the rest of the biliary tree, including the gallbladder, from draining properly.
Learn More About Gallbladder Removal Today
Gallstones are often benign, but if you experience jaundice, recurring acute pain or other symptoms of dangerous gallstones, gallbladder surgery may be right for you. To learn more, contact Surgical Associates of South Florida, LLC in South Miami, FL today to schedule your initial consultation. We will assess your situation and help you determine the best gallstone treatment method for your needs.
