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gallstone symptoms: when surgery is needed

topic overview

several conditions or situations may require surgery to remove the gallbladder. surgery usually is needed when:

  • your gallbladder suddenly becomes inflamed or infected (cholecystitis).
  • gallstones cause repeated attacks of pain.
  • you have growths called polyps in the gallbladder, usually larger than 1 cm (0.4 in.), that are causing symptoms.
  • gallstones cause inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).
  • a non-functioning gallbladder is causing symptoms.
  • the gallbladder wall has calcified (porcelain gallbladder).
  • you have gallstones and an impaired immune system.

credits

current as of: october 19, 2023

author: healthwise staff
clinical review board
all healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

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