About Gallbladder Blockage

Free Your Body from Pain Quickly

Your gallbladder’s main use is to collect and store bile that is later used to digest your food. The bile is made in your liver and then transported to your gallbladder, which is located on the upper right side of the abdomen, just below the liver. Some individuals develop gallstones that stop the gallbladder from functioning properly by blocking the bile flow.

If you experience regular gallstones and deal with severe pain, you may be recommended for gallbladder removal surgery. This surgery is otherwise known as cholecystectomy and has a very low risk of serious complications. Typically, gallbladder removal surgery is done laparoscopically using a small camera, although an open cholecystectomy may be performed in rare cases.

Who is at Risk?

Over one million people each year are newly diagnosed with a gallbladder blockage that blocks the bile flow from the liver. According to recent statistics, gallstones affect over 25 million Americans alone. Many sufferers avoid surgery because they are afraid of a lengthy recovery time, but here at miVIP, most of our cholecystectomy patients are home the same day of surgery.

Causes of Gallbladder Blockage

Doctors are fairly unsure of what causes gallstones, but many subscribe to one of three common ideas.

• If there is too much cholesterol in the bile it is difficult for the body to break it down, and it may form crystals which then turn into stones.
• If there is too much bilirubin in your bile, you are more likely to develop gallstones.
• If your gallbladder is unable to empty correctly the bile may concentrate in one area and form gallstones.

Those with a history of gallstones may be at an increased risk for developing gallbladder cancer, pancreatitis, cholecystitis, jaundice and infection.

Symptoms of Gallbladder Blockage

Gallstones don’t always present themselves in the form of pain or discomfort, so patients should be well aware of the common symptoms of gallstones.

• Intense, sudden pain in the upper right side of the abdomen that seems to get worse quickly.
• Intense, sudden pain in the middle of the abdomen, directly below the breastbone.
• Back pain in the center of your shoulder blades
• Pain in the right shoulder

Treating Gallbladder Blockage

Most physicians will start with medications that help to dissolve the gallstones, but if your case is more severe you may be recommended for surgery to remove your gallbladder. Gallbladder removal surgery may cause temporary diarrhea, but complications and risks are fairly limited.

Future Prognosis

With medication, it can take months or years for your gallstones to completely dissolve. With surgery from miVIP, you’ll have relief within several days of your gallbladder removal. Call us today at 855-496-4847 to set up an appointment to discuss your options with one of our world-class surgeons.