About Gallbladder Polyps

Securing a Long and Healthy Future

Left untreated, gallbladder polyps may lead to the development of gallbladder cancer, which is almost always fatal. Because polyps may not have noticeable symptoms until they are at an untreatable stage, it’s important for patients to be aware of the signs and dangers that are associated with polyps in the gallbladder.

Gallbladder polyps form when lesions are developed within the gallbladder wall and project into the interior of the gallbladder. Many patients don’t even know they have polyps until they are discovered during gallbladder surgery or an ultrasound in the abdominal area. While most polyps are benign, there are rare occurrences where the polyps are malignant and the gallbladder must be removed immediately.

Know Your Risks

According to the National Institute of Health, close to 6% of the entire United States population may be affected by gallbladder polyps, although not all of these cases turn into a malignant cancer. Studies suggest that polyps develop more often in men that are around age 50.

Causes of Gallbladder Polyps

Polyps are put into several different categories and may be caused by different things. Polyps that are benign may be caused by an increased level of cholesterol in the gallbladder, gallstones or inflammation of the gallbladder. All malignant gallbladder polyps are referred to as gallbladder carcinomas.

Signs There is a Problem

Many of the signs and symptoms for polyps are vague and nonspecific. Some patients with polyps don’t even notice symptoms during their everyday lives. Most cases of polyps are found accidentally during another procedure. Some patients who suffer from polyps may deal with the following:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen
• Jaundice
• Inflammation of the gallbladder

The doctors at miVIP are world-class surgeons and fully prepared to offer you an opinion about whether gallbladder surgery is right for you to treat the possible occurrence of polyps.

Treating Polyps

While the chances of your polyps being malignant are fairly low, most doctors recommend a full removal of the gallbladder to prevent the growth of a malignant tumor. At miVIP, we offer minimally invasive gallbladder removal surgery, typically done laparoscopically with a small camera and several tiny incisions.

Look Down the Road

With our minimally invasive treatment options, you are likely to be released for home the same day, and be back to your regular schedule within several days. Our surgeons are fully trained on the most innovative methods for gallbladder surgery, and our staff and assistants are all here to ensure you a quick recovery.

Contact Us Today

Call miVIP Surgical Centers at 855-496-4847 to discuss your options with an experienced surgeon. Polyps must be treated quickly, and our surgeons are prepared to offer you the finest in medical technology.