Gallbladder removal surgery at TGMC

What's your risk? You may be at increased risk for gallbladder problems if you: Have a family history of gallstones or other gallbladder disorders Are of Native American descent Are a female who has given birth to several children Are overweight Have lost a lot of weight

"Diet has a huge impact on the health of the gallbladder, and the average diet in this area is not as healthy as it should be," says Donald Schwab, M.D., surgeon at Terrebonne General Medical Center (TGMC).

Most people associate a high-fat diet with gallbladder disease, but that is not always the case. Eric Rau, M.D., surgeon at TGMC, notes, "Extremely low-fat diets may also lead to gallbladder problems. The key to reducing your risk is moderation. But there are also other risk factors that you can't control, such as gender and genetics."

Reducing intake of fatty foods and weight reduction may help ease symptoms in people with gallbladder disease, but when symptoms are severe, gallbladder removal may be the only answer. Dr. Schwab and Dr. Rau are highly experienced in gallbladder removal surgery. Most of these procedures are laparoscopic and performed on an outpatient basis. This significantly reduces bleeding, scarring, post-surgical discomfort and risk of complications. Most patients are back to their normal routines in two weeks or less.

A small, pear-shaped organ, the gallbladder sits just below the liver. It stores bile, which is released when the body digests fat.

The most common gallbladder disorder is gallstones, solid masses that are mostly cholesterol. You can have one or several gallstones, and a single gallstone can grow as large as a golf ball. But a gallstone usually requires attention only if it causes symptoms such as:

• Pain in the upper right side of your abdomen, radiating to the back
  
• Pain several hours after eating, especially fatty foods (often mistaken
  for indigestion)
  
• Nausea, vomiting, bloating or fever

These symptoms usually worsen over time. "Early on, many people don't realize they have a problem," Dr. Rau says. "Most say their symptoms started a month ago. But when I talk to them in detail, I find out they've had symptoms for years; they just thought it was indigestion or gas. What usually brings them in for help is that the attacks get worse."

Only your physician can accurately diagnose gallbladder disease. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Rau or Dr. Schwab, call (985) 868-2273.

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