Brian W. Heywood, M.D.
General & Vascular Surgery |
That Indigestion May Be Cholecystitis
Many of us have experienced the discomfort from overeating after a large meal. Although that discomfort is often attributed to indigestion, it might be due to an attack of cholecystitis which requires medical attention.
More Than a “Bellyache”
An inflammation of the gallbladder, cholecystitis can happen when a meal with fatty foods is eaten and a signal is sent to the gallbladder to squeeze out stored bile. If a stone blocks the drainage ducts, pain or cramping in the upper abdomen (which may extend to under the right ribs and into the back) is often the result. This attack may last minutes, hours or days. Many people suffer smaller attacks throughout the year, but get stronger symptoms after large gatherings or celebrations. Others have a severe episode during their first attack. Although eating meals very low in fat can help to avoid these episodes, once you have had an attack, you are likely to have one again.
Possible Treatment
Gallbladder disease is treated by the removal of the gallbladder and its stones. This is almost always done laparoscopically through small incisions, with numbing medicine injected into each incision during the surgery. You are totally asleep during the procedure and usually can go home within several hours after surgery with a prescription medicine. Although recovery time varies, many can resume normal activities within a few days, while others have some pain or tenderness that lasts longer. Because the incisions are small, returning to work is more a matter of comfort and when it can be done safely.
Another benefit of laparoscopic surgery is that incisions do not tear by straining, as can happen with larger incisions performed in standard surgery. Still, surgery cannot always be performed laparoscopically. Sometimes the gallbladder causes pain without evidence of stones because the stone has been passed out of the gallbladder, becoming lodged lower down in the duct. This can cause jaundice or pancreatitis and potentially severe side effects. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, we urge you to be evaluated by your doctor promptly.
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