Question 1

I'm a 31-year-old woman considering laparoscopic surgery to remove just my gallstones without taking out the gallbladder. Will I be okay long-term or is it better to remove the whole gallbladder? Also, could this cause any issues if I have a second pregnancy later?

Accepted Answer

Removing just the gallstones without the gallbladder is generally discouraged, as the gallbladder is not vital, and removing it can lead to a simpler, more straightforward procedure. While you can live with the gallbladder and just remove the stones, studies show that removal of the gallbladder is the most reliable long-term solution for gallstones. Furthermore, removing the gallbladder doesn't pose long-term problems for women, and it is unlikely to cause any issues with future pregnancies

Question 2

I'm a bit worried about my recent lab results. The report from the GI LAB in my office says my total bilirubin is 2.9. Could you help me understand what this means and what I should do next?

Accepted Answer

Penile Vibration and Potential Causes

_Possible Causes_

1. _Nerve compression or damage_: Your spinal condition, specifically the compression of nerves from L1 to L5, could be contributing to the vibration sensation.
2. _Neurological symptoms_: The vibration might be a neurological symptom related to your spinal condition, rather than an infection.
3. _Other possibilities_: Less likely causes could include:
    - Peripheral neuropathy
    - Nerve entrapment
    - Vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels)

_Recommended Actions_

1. _Consult your spine specialist or neurologist_: Discuss the new symptom with your doctor to determine if it's related to your spinal condition.
2. _Neurological examination_: Your doctor may perform a neurological examination to assess nerve function and determine the cause of the vibration.
3. _Imaging tests or nerve conduction studies_: Additional tests, such as MRI or nerve conduction studies, might be ordered to rule out other potential causes.

Question 3

I'm experiencing a lot of saliva and after swallowing it, I feel this burning sensation in my stomach like acidity. Its really uncomfortable. What could be causing this and what should I do about it?

Accepted Answer

Can be a sign of acid reflux. You can try taking Omeprazole (brand name Prilosec) 20mg once daily before breakfast for relief. Additionally, you can use Antacid syrup like Gaviscon 10-20ml after meals and at bedtime as needed for immediate relief from acidity symptoms. Avoid spicy and acidic foods, eat smaller meals, and avoid lying down immediately after eating to help reduce symptoms.

I'm having these gas issues and it's causing some chest pain, especially on the left side of my chest. I've been taking medicine for it, but still, the pain comes and goes, like when I bend or sometimes when I take a deep breath. Could all of this be just because of gas?

That could be Gastritis or GERD once check with Gastroenterologist .

More Gastroenterology/GI medicine Health Queries

I'm a 31-year-old woman considering laparoscopic surgery to remove just my gallstones without taking out the gallbladder. Will I be okay long-term or is it better to remove the whole gallbladder? Also, could this cause any issues if I have a second pregnancy later?

I'm a bit worried about my recent lab results. The report from the GI LAB in my office says my total bilirubin is 2.9. Could you help me understand what this means and what I should do next?

I'm experiencing a lot of saliva and after swallowing it, I feel this burning sensation in my stomach like acidity. Its really uncomfortable. What could be causing this and what should I do about it?

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