Gallstones

When To Call A Professional

If you know that you have gallstones contact your doctor if you develop:

• An unexplained fever

• Severe or persistent pain in the right side of the abdomen, mid-abdomen or back

• Persistent vomiting

• Yellowing of your skin or eyes (jaundice)

Prognosis

Surgical treatment for gallstones is highly effective. In most patients symptoms go away completely and stay away. The gallbladder is not a necessary organ and most people do not notice any digestive changes after it is removed. In a few cases, abdominal pain or diarrhea develops after the gallbladder is removed, and additional treatment or changes in the diet are needed.

Additional Info

American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) 4900 B South, 31st St. Arlington, VA 22206 Phone: (703) 820-7400 Fax: (703) 931-4520 http://www.acg.gi.org/

American Gastroenterological Association 7910 Woodmont Ave. Seventh Floor Bethesda, MD 20814 Phone: (301) 654-2055 Fax: (301) 652-3890 http://www.gastro.org/