Recurring upper abdominal pain after fatty meals could be your gallbladder. Here is when to seek help.
Gallstones are hard deposits that form in the gallbladder. Many people have them without symptoms, but when a stone blocks the outflow, it can cause severe pain and complications.
Common symptoms
- Pain in the upper right or middle of the abdomen, often after oily food
- Pain spreading to the right shoulder or back
- Nausea, vomiting and bloating
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice)
Why treatment matters
Untreated symptomatic gallstones can lead to infection of the gallbladder, blockage of the bile duct or pancreatitis, which can be life-threatening. Medicines do not dissolve most stones reliably.
The solution
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy removes the gallbladder through four small incisions. Most patients go home the next day and return to normal activities within a week.
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a doctor about your own condition.
