10 Symptoms That May Signal You Need Gallbladder Surgery

One of the most significant signals your body can give you that indicates you need gallbladder surgery is unexpected weight loss. One should be aware of this symptom. Some serious issues often persist within the body if one starts dropping pounds without adjusting their diet and exercise routine. The same scenario is applied to gallbladder problems. The gallbladder aids in the breaking down of fats from food. Therefore, the body can’t absorb nutrients in the presence of gallbladder problems, such as gallstones and inflammation. This consequently results in the unexpected weight loss. Don’t take this lightly. Consult with a specialist immediately if you are losing weight. Early diagnosis will surely save you from severe health issues. 

Changes in urine and stool colour often signal gallbladder problems. Dark amber or tea-colored urine indicates high bilirubin levels resulting from poor bile processing.  Clay-coloured or pale stools indicate blocked bile ducts and difficulty in digestion. These colour alternations stem because bile can’t flow from the gallbladder to the intestines. Therefore, seek medical attention immediately, as it is a symptom that you may need gallbladder surgery.

Feeling nauseous, especially after eating, is a sign of gallbladder dysfunction. Feeling sick once in a while is normal, but if it persists, accompanied by vomiting, then it is a sign of gallbladder complications. It is a warning signal if these symptoms generally worsen after enjoying fatty or greasy foods. Get it checked, as only early evaluation can perfectly determine whether gallbladder surgery is needed in your case or not.

Fever with stomach pain and chills means you need gallbladder surgery.  This combination suggests that bacteria are present within the walls of the gallbladder. Gallbladder inflammation creates a perfect ground for bad bacteria to multiply fast. So don’t wait when you have these symptoms together; untreated gallbladder infections can be life-threatening.

Indigestion and a bloated stomach, specifically after eating a high-fat meal, are major signs of gallbladder issues. Most people dismiss this symptom, taking it as a normal digestive issue, but it implies that the gallbladder is not releasing bile for fat metabolism. Persistent bloating requires medical evaluation to determine if doctors need to perform gallbladder surgery.

Persistent digestive issues occur when gallstones block bile pathways. The body can no longer metabolize fats. This ultimately results in yellowish stools because the intestines have to work overtime to eliminate these undigested fats from the body. When gallstones block bile pathways, your body can’t break down fats properly. This causes chronic digestive problems. Gallbladder surgery is suggested for restoring digestion.

Gallbladder disease can be associated with mild and unbearable abdominal pain. This pain comes and goes sometimes, and a person could get relief either naturally after a while or with medications, in which case, surgery is not indicated. 

However, pain that doesn’t disappear hints at some underlying problems that need urgent treatment. The location of gallbladder pain specifically is in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen. But it can also happen in other abdominal regions. This pain feels like it is moving from the shoulder towards and back. People often ignore it, considering it a normal pain, but if the pain doesn’t go away after some time, consult with a doctor without wasting any time.

Jaundice is a medical condition resulting in the yellowing of the skin. This condition occurs specifically due to the blockage of the bile duct. This blockage prevents the liver from excreting bile, causing the gallstones to move into the bile duct. Jaundice causes significant damage to the liver, and if medications are of no use, gallbladder surgery is the only option.

Pancreatitis, or the inflammation of the pancreas, is a sign of gallstones and indicates that it is now necessary to remove them through gallbladder removal surgery. This also signals pancreatic damage, and delaying surgery can worsen your infection. Therefore, doctors advise immediate medical attention for effective management.

Experiencing pain in your upper abdomen that gets worse with deep breathing is a symptom that you may need gallbladder surgery. This type of pain is much sharper and more constant than regular stomach pain. Moreover, this pain gets worse with breathing because your diaphragm is pressing on the inflamed gallbladder with each breath. And this ache often radiates to your back or right shoulder blade. So when you notice this breathing-related pain pattern, get medical attention right away.