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Can gallstones occur after cholecystectomy?

03/18/2008

Question:

A friend heard that it is possible to still produce gallstones even after laproscopic cholecystectomy. This friend has what appears to be gallstones based on her symptoms as well as her risk factors – the 4 F`s. She has been taking herbs and receiving accupuncture which are alleviating her symptoms for the most part. She has changed her diet and started to exercise. She plans to have an ultrasound to get a definitive diagnosis. She is also afraid of the surgery partially because she is convinced that the gallbladder serves an essential function and without it, she could develop other problems. Is any or all of this true?

Answer:

Almost all gallstones form in the gallbladder, however, in certain very unusual circumstances stones can form in the bile tube directly. This is very uncommon. The gallbladder serves as a reservoir for bile, and people can live comfortably without it.

For more information:

Go to the Digestive Disorders health topic.