Surgery for gallstones that cause symptoms
Several conditions or situations may require surgery to remove the gallbladder. Surgery usually is needed when:
- Your gallbladder suddenly becomes inflamed or infected (cholecystitis).
- Gallstones cause repeated attacks of pain.
- You have growths called polyps in the gallbladder, usually larger than 1 cm (0.4 in.), that are causing symptoms.
- Gallstones cause inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).
- A non-functioning gallbladder is causing symptoms.
- The gallbladder wall has calcified (porcelain gallbladder).
- You have gallstones and an impaired immune system.
| Author: | Monica Rhodes | Last Updated: September 21, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology | |
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