Gallstone Symptoms: When Surgery Is Needed
Topic Overview
Several conditions or situations may require surgery to remove the gallbladder. Surgery usually is needed when:
- Your gallbladder suddenly becomes inflamed or infected (cholecystitis).
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Gallstones cause repeated attacks of pain.
- You have growths called polyps in the gallbladder, usually larger than 0.4 in. (1 cm), that are causing symptoms.
- Gallstones cause inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).
- A nonfunctioning gallbladder is causing symptoms.
- The gallbladder wall has calcified (porcelain gallbladder).
- You have gallstones and an impaired immune system.
Credits
ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Arvydas D. Vanagunas, MD, FACP, FACG - Gastroenterology
Current as ofMarch 28, 2018
Current as of:
March 28, 2018