Gallstones
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What are Gallstones?
Gallstones are formed in the gallbladder, a pear-shaped organ that sits beneath the liver and stores bile which is later released into the small intestine to aid with digestion and break down fats. When the bile becomes crystallized within the gallbladder, gallstones can form that can range in size from a speck of sand to the size of a golf ball. These can cause an infection known as cholecystitis and get stuck inside the duct going to the small intestine resulting in severe pain.
Common Gallstone Symptoms Include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sudden and intensifying pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdominal area
- Abdominal bloating accompanied by abdominal pain
- Pain between the shoulder blades
Pain can last from several minutes to several hours.
These symptoms should never be ignored and immediate care should be sought if you develop any indications of a serious gallstone complication. Although symptoms can vary and may reoccur periodically, surgical removal may be necessary to prevent any future trouble. This can be done with minimally invasive laparoscopic or robotic-assisted surgery.
Schedule an Appointment with a Gastroenterologist Today
At Physicians Regional Medical Group, we have board-certified gastroenterologists and general surgeons available for evaluation and treatment of gallstones. To find a gastroenterologist or general surgeon near you – contact one of our locations or call (239) 348-4221. You can also find a provider online.
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