What's going on with my gallbladder? There's thickening, no gallstones, Hida scan results: ejection factor 0%

Question

I have been having upper abdominal pain for several years off and on. The pain recently got worse and didn't go away. I've had diverticulitis in the past and had surgery for that. I was sent to have a Ultrasound of my gallbladder and it showed thickening of the gallbladder but no stones. I was then sent for a HIDA scan with CCK and my ejection rate was 0%. My medical doctor wants me to see a surgeon and get my gallbladder out but I'm supposed to start college on Aug. 15th. Does anyone know if my results indicate anything that could be dangerous? or could I put off having surgery until next summer?

Answer 1

Don't get all excited over celiac disease and porcelin gallbladder. They are rare.

As for the reason why your gallbladder isn't working, a lot of times there isn't a reason. It just happens.

Your results appear to show that your gallbladder isn't working well at all. There aren't any stones, but sludge can still plug up the outlet tract (cystic duct). When that happens, your gallbladder will get inflammed and cause a lot of pain.

Surgery to remove the bladder (cholecystectomy) is a very common procedure. Most are done laparoscopic (with a camera) and patients typically go home in 1 to 2 days after the operation.

If your surgeon can get you on the schedule quickly, you would probably have plenty of time to recover enough to start college.

I'd talk with your surgeon and see what s/he thinks about putting it off. S/he will probably not recommend it.

Answer 2

Those test indicate a non or at least poorly functioning gallbladder. You are ate risk for recurrent gallbladder attack, which are quite painful, until your gallbladder is removed. These attacks can be induced be fatty, or spicy, or fried foods. Most attacks happen at the worst time. Get it out now and you will have time to recover by school.

Answer 3

Hi Elizabeth. Have your doctors asked themselves "why" your gallbladder is not functioning? Do they even care?

A common cause of thickening of the gallbladder with associated decreased bile ejection is Celiac Disease (CD).

CD is very common, occurring in about 1 person in every 100. Sadly, doctors are so poorly trained in this common condition that in the U.S. only 3% of cases (1 in 3500) ever gets diagnosed.

CD is an autoimmune disease that damages the lining of the small intestine. It is caused by an allergic reaction to the proteins in wheat, rye and barley called glutens/gliadins.

CD often leads to a decrease in production of CCK (the hormone used in your test). CCK (cholecystokinin) stimulates gallbladder contraction, pancreatic secretions, and other important functions. Longterm deficiency of CCK may be the cause of your gallbladder problem.

It may be wise to ask your doctor for a referral to a specialist in Celiac Disease (not any old gastrointerologist, but a doctor that daily diagnoses and treats CD patients).

Best wishes and good luck.

Answer 4

You have biliary dyskinesia. (Biliary = bile related, dyskinesia = not moving right)

A laparoscopic cholecystectomy (gall bladder out through a scope) should be able to be done and have you ready for school by the 15th, and long as your surgeon can get you scheduled quickly.

It won't be dangerous to keep the gall bladder, but if you have repeated gall bladder attacks, it could cause you to lose time from school.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

Answer 5

There are conditions where the gallbladder tissue calcifies. The one I remember is called Porcelain gallbladder. There is an increased risk of gallbladder cancer if someone has this, and in late stages it can be seen on a plain film X-ray.

Answer 6

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