Can gallbladder problems be serious?
Yes! Gallbladder removal is one of the more common emergency operations performed in America. Gallstones commonly obstruct the outflow of the gallbladder, resulting in severe pressure that can cause gangrene in the gallbladder. In addition, infections can occur when the bile is thick with sludge. This is more common in people who have depressed immune function, such as diabetics. Gallstones can also migrate, causing obstruction of the bile tubes from the liver or from the pancreas gland. Severe pancreatitis can result in months of hospitalization and severe diabetes mellitus. What are typical symptoms of gallbladder trouble? Typically, pain is experienced below the right ribcage in the upper abdomen, radiating through the right shoulder and back, and can be severe to moderate. Often, pain occurs after eating meals, though many patients are awakened in the middle of the night with this pain, preventing sleep for hours. Other common symptoms include burping, fatty food intolerance, a ful
