| Surgical Issues II - My stomach hurts |
| SurgeryChicago |
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You may have GALLSTONES - (Cholelithiasis)
Gallstones are small accumulations of usually cholesterol within the gallbladder (an
abdominal organ that aids in the digestion of food). Gallstones form from a variety of
reasons including diet, pregnancy, female sex, and genetic factors. It is impossible to
predict who will get gallstones. Many people have gallstones and never become
symptomatic or pass their stones unknowingly. For those gallstones that do become
symptomatic, a surgical problem arises.
The gallbladder works by storing and releasing bile - a liquid that helps digest food.
The gallbladder can sense when food is in the duodenum and will forcefully contract,
releasing the bile into the duodenum to aid in food digestion. The cystic duct is a tube
connecting the gallbladder to the common bile duct which then leads to the duodenum
just past the stomach.
Gallstones are small accumulations of usually cholesterol within the gallbladder (an
abdominal organ that aids in the digestion of food). Gallstones form from a variety of
reasons including diet, pregnancy, female sex, and genetic factors. It is impossible to
predict who will get gallstones. Many people have gallstones and never become
symptomatic or pass their stones unknowingly. For those gallstones that do become
symptomatic, a surgical problem arises.
The gallbladder works by storing and releasing bile - a liquid that helps digest food.
The gallbladder can sense when food is in the duodenum and will forcefully contract,
releasing the bile into the duodenum to aid in food digestion. The cystic duct is a tube
connecting the gallbladder to the common bile duct which then leads to the duodenum
just past the stomach.
Right Upper abdominal pain may occur after eating fatty or greasy foods
Gallstones become a problem when they obstruct the cystic duct. The sudden increase
of pressure within the gallbladder when contracting against a blocked duct causes the
characteristic pain of gallstone disease, termed “biliary colic”. Biliary colic usually starts
after meals, particularly fatty meals (the gallbladder senses food and contracts which
then forces a stone into the cystic duct, blocking it). It lasts for a varied amount of time
but then relaxes when the food has passed, thereby relieving the blockage and the
associated pain. The pain is located below the rib cage on the right side, and feels like
severe cramps.
of pressure within the gallbladder when contracting against a blocked duct causes the
characteristic pain of gallstone disease, termed “biliary colic”. Biliary colic usually starts
after meals, particularly fatty meals (the gallbladder senses food and contracts which
then forces a stone into the cystic duct, blocking it). It lasts for a varied amount of time
but then relaxes when the food has passed, thereby relieving the blockage and the
associated pain. The pain is located below the rib cage on the right side, and feels like
severe cramps.
If the gallstones are not treated, the cystic
duct can remain blocked leading to a
continuous and persistent pain called “acute
cholecystitis”. An individual may have fevere,
severe pain below the ribs on the right side
of the abdomen, and possibly fever. Acute
cholecystitis requires immediate surgery
because of the severe pain and infection
associated with it.
Diagnosing biliary colic/acute cholecystitis
usually only requires basic laboratory workup
and an ultrasound to see the stones and
gallbladder. Treatment is surgical via a
duct can remain blocked leading to a
continuous and persistent pain called “acute
cholecystitis”. An individual may have fevere,
severe pain below the ribs on the right side
of the abdomen, and possibly fever. Acute
cholecystitis requires immediate surgery
because of the severe pain and infection
associated with it.
Diagnosing biliary colic/acute cholecystitis
usually only requires basic laboratory workup
and an ultrasound to see the stones and
gallbladder. Treatment is surgical via a
“laparoscopic cholecystectomy”. A laparoscopic cholecystectomy uses cameras and long
thin instruments to remove the gallbladder through 4 small incisions rather than the
traditional 1 large incision underneath the right rib cage.
The length of hospital stay after an uncomplicated laparoscopic cholecystectomy is
generally 1 day (after it is ensured that the patient can tolerate diet and his or her pain is
well controlled). Patients usually return to work shortly afterwards with no restrictions in
diet.
thin instruments to remove the gallbladder through 4 small incisions rather than the
traditional 1 large incision underneath the right rib cage.
The length of hospital stay after an uncomplicated laparoscopic cholecystectomy is
generally 1 day (after it is ensured that the patient can tolerate diet and his or her pain is
well controlled). Patients usually return to work shortly afterwards with no restrictions in
diet.
Abdominal pain moves to your right lower abdomen
You may have ACUTE APPENDICITIS
Acute Appendicitis happens most frequently between the ages of 10 -30 but
can happen at any age. Typically the pain is vague and starts in the middle of
your stomach. As it gets worse it moves to the right lower side of your stomach
and becomes constant. You may have fevers, some nausea and vomiting, but
usually no appetite.
can happen at any age. Typically the pain is vague and starts in the middle of
your stomach. As it gets worse it moves to the right lower side of your stomach
and becomes constant. You may have fevers, some nausea and vomiting, but
usually no appetite.
The appendix gets inflamed because of a blockage of the appendix and it
happens in 7% of all the population. Its just bad luck if you get it.
If the appendix swells to the point of rupture it can cause many problems
inside your abdomen. It can cause blockages of your bowels and severe
illness and infection (and can kill 4% of people that have it rupture). It can
cause damage to adjacent organs and structures which may necessitate a
larger, more dangerous surgery.
happens in 7% of all the population. Its just bad luck if you get it.
If the appendix swells to the point of rupture it can cause many problems
inside your abdomen. It can cause blockages of your bowels and severe
illness and infection (and can kill 4% of people that have it rupture). It can
cause damage to adjacent organs and structures which may necessitate a
larger, more dangerous surgery.
The appendix may be removed through a small 2-3 cm cut in the right lower abdomen
(open appy), if it is caught early enough. The appendix can also be removed by 2 or 3
small (less than 1 cm incisions) using the laparoscope (camara)-(see laparoscopic
gall bladder above for an idea).
If it ruptures, you may require a cut down the middle of you abdomen to properly wash
out the infection and repair the adjacent organs.
For laparoscopic appendectomy, most people go home in 1-2 days. Open appy usually
requires a stay of 1-3 days. This all depends on your tolerance of pain. Perforated
appendicitis with a large midline incision may require a hospital stay of 1-2 weeks.
If you think you may have appendicitis, call your primary doctor or go to the ER
immediately.
(open appy), if it is caught early enough. The appendix can also be removed by 2 or 3
small (less than 1 cm incisions) using the laparoscope (camara)-(see laparoscopic
gall bladder above for an idea).
If it ruptures, you may require a cut down the middle of you abdomen to properly wash
out the infection and repair the adjacent organs.
For laparoscopic appendectomy, most people go home in 1-2 days. Open appy usually
requires a stay of 1-3 days. This all depends on your tolerance of pain. Perforated
appendicitis with a large midline incision may require a hospital stay of 1-2 weeks.
If you think you may have appendicitis, call your primary doctor or go to the ER
immediately.
