Learn The Common Symptoms Of Gallstones: “The 5 F’s”
The gallbladder is a small organ that is located beneath the liver. The gallbladder stores bile which is released during a meal and helps with food digestion. Occasionally, gallstones, made up of cholesterol, can form in the gallbladder and cause problems.
Gallstones can cause symptoms when they block the bile ducts.
You can remember the common gallbladder symptoms as the 5 F’s:
- Female
- Fertile
- Forty
- Flatus
- Fair complexion
Early on, symptoms can be intermittent and occur every few months. However, if neglected, the symptoms can progressively worsen and become more frequent.
When patients present with an acutely inflamed gallbladder, the symptoms include right upper quadrant abdominal pain, fever and possibly jaundice. More severe complications of gallstones include pancreatitis or cholangitis resulting in a prolonged hospital stay.
The treatment for gallstones or other gallbladder problems requires removal of the gallbladder. Thirty years ago, the gallbladder was removed through a large incision on the abdomen. With improved technology, gallbladders can be removed now through several small incisions using a robot. A 3D high definition camera provides superior visualization and the robot allows precise control of the surgeon’s hand movements. Patients can go home on the same day of surgery and return to their normal activities in 3-4 weeks.
Dr. Patrick Moore is a board certified general surgeon. Since 1990, he has removed thousands of gallbladders. For the last 6 years, he has utilized the most current technology to perform robotic assisted laparoscopic gallbladder surgery. If you are experiencing any gallbladder issues, call Dr. Moore (951.477.5700) to make an appointment.
Pat Moore MD
