The gallbladder is not an efficient organ. The thick bile can create obstructions through the vessels it usually passes through. In some people, the gallbladder can also develop gallstones. These are hard deposits that get stuck in the biliary ducts or the gallbladder. They can be small or as big as a Ping Pong™ ball.
Gallstones can cause chronic or acute gallbladder inflammation. Sometimes, this inflammation can come with an infection that can cause:
- Pain.
- Nausea.
- Bloating.
- Vomiting.
A doctor will recommend surgery if the gallstones cause considerable complications and constant pain.
Here are some indications that you might need gallbladder surgery:
- Epigastric Pain
Epigastric pain is a primary symptom of gallstones. The gallstones cause pain in the upper right side of your midriff. The pain is intense between your stomach and the lower end of your ribcage. The type of epigastric pain will depend on the cause.
- Biliary Colic
The main symptom of biliary colic is intermittent and gripping pain in the upper right midriff. This happens to be the early signs of gallbladder stones. This pain is not constant, and it can last a few minutes to a few hours, usually after meals.
- Acute Cholecystitis
Acute cholecystitis is also known as a gallbladder attack. It is the sudden inflammation of the gallbladder. Usually, acute cholecystitis results from bile sludge or gallstones obstructing the gallbladder ducts. The pain caused is very severe and persistent, and it can last several hours or several days.
- Chronic Indigestion
Gallstones can have a significant impact on your digestion. Most people with gallstones report chronic indigestion. The common symptoms are bloating, post-meal belching, abdominal discomfort, and heartburn.
- Pain Is Accompanied With Nausea
The pain associated with gallstones will cause you to feel nauseated. When you have a gallbladder attack, you experience nausea or vomiting accompanied by intense upper midriff pain. This is common with biliary colic.
- Fever and the Chills
When you have fever and chills following severe upper midriff pain, there is a likelihood that you have gallstones. This type of reaction is a warning sign that you should see a doctor immediately. You might need surgery to stop the infection from spreading to other parts of the body.
- Signs of Jaundice
The liver, pancreas, and gallbladder share a duct. When gallstones obstruct this duct, you might show signs of jaundice. Jaundice causes the whites of your eyes, your skin, and mucus membranes to turn yellow. The high levels of bilirubin cause this yellow color.