Gallbladder Polyps? - Gallbladder Message Board

neddyflanders · 05-30-2006, 04:13 PM

I've been having problems with foods causing pain (mostly below my right rib). I was sent for an ultrasound and got the following results. Two gallbladder polpys .4 cm and the report says my liver is larger then normal. I was instructed to go to a surgeon who set up an appointment for me to get my gallbladder out in 3 days (she blew off the part about the liver, something about me being tall). Does this diagnosis sound right to you? I'm worried that I'm geting an operation that I don't need. My GI is going to call me tomorrow. I'm starting to panic. Most of what I read says Polyps don't cause these symptoms and since their so small their's not much concern but the Surgeon said it should come out right away. Help!

Toot Toot · 05-30-2006, 10:14 PM

I can't really speak to the medical necessity of surgery in your case, but I will say this: if you're not comfortable with the amount of information you have in order to make an informed decision, then by all means, wait. Get a second opinion. I know exactly the type of blow-off you're referring to. You have a concern about something relating to your surgery, and the doctor -- probably not really knowing what one has to do with the other -- gives some half-thought-about answer. You're supposed to be okay with that. I wouldn't be. It really frustrates me, actually. The doctor can sure take enough time to get you get scheduled for SURGERY (a contribution to her pocket book, thank you very much

), but she won't slow down enough to assure that all your questions are answered. I'd wait, but that's just me. Sorry to sound angry; I've just been there - done that. Take care!

Titchou · 05-31-2006, 04:48 AM

I'd ask for a HIDA Scan. It may be that the polyps are contributing to a low ejection rate for your GB. It that case, it would still need to be removed but you'd have more information about the cause.

diamond79 · 05-31-2006, 05:59 AM

I agree with Toot. Don't have any surgery done unless you know for sure that is the problem in the first place. And I am talking from experience here. I had GB polyps and inflammation and dr.'s told me "Remove it, it will solve all your problems"--so I went for it. Over a year later and over 2 years after all this began I am still having problems with my stomach(nausea, cramps, etc--actually made worse by having it removed). The only thing it did help was the aching I had under my right rib cage--and that was the minor symptom, the nausea was the worse. I even had the Hida Scan done which came back 90% ejection fraction (which is damn near perfect) and the dr's still said to remove it. So basically I lost all trust in Dr.s because I figure every organ they remove is probaby more $$$ in there pocket.

Do your homework and don't let any dr.s force you into something you don't need.

Good Luck in your decision as it is ultimately up to you!

syxx_35 · 05-31-2006, 09:54 AM

Has your doctor looked into checking to see if it is Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction? I am having my gallbladder out tomorrow morning, but my surgeon has come out and said that he thinks it could be my Sphincter of Oddi. He says the problem is, they do not like to mess with that if they do not have to as it is somewhat necessary, so they want to do the gallbladder first and hope the pain goes away. We ruled out H. Pylori seeing as I had an attack 2 weeks after starting the anti-biotic.