Gallstone Symptoms: When Surgery Is Needed
Topic Overview
Several conditions or situations may require surgery to remove the Reference gallbladder Opens New Window. Surgery usually is needed when:
- Your gallbladder suddenly becomes inflamed or infected (cholecystitis).
- Reference Gallstones Opens New Window 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 (Reference pancreatitis Opens New Window).
- A nonfunctioning gallbladder is causing symptoms.
- The gallbladder wall has calcified (porcelain gallbladder).
- You have gallstones and an Reference impaired immune system Opens New Window.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference July 15, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | Reference E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Reference Arvydas D. Vanagunas, MD - Gastroenterology |
|
© 1995-2011, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
