Gallbladder Specialist

Oasis Advanced Gastroenterology

Mehrdad Asgeri, MD

Gastroenterologist located in Palm Springs, CA & Rancho Mirage, CA

Gallbladder disease can include inflammation, gallstones, and a variety of other issues that cause discomfort or pain. At Oasis Advanced Gastroenterology, top-rated gastroenterologist Mehrdad Asgeri, MD, offers gallbladder disease evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment to free you from the frustrating symptoms. Oasis Advanced Gastroenterology, located in Palm Springs serves Rancho Mirage, Indio, La Quinta, and Palm Desert, CA. Call the Palm Springs, California, office or click the online appointment maker to book now.

Gallbladder Q & A

What is gallbladder disease?

Gallbladder disease refers to issues within your gallbladder, the small organ that holds and concentrates bile from your liver. Your gallbladder releases bile into your duodenum — the first part of your small intestine — to help with the breakdown of foods, particularly fats.

But gallbladder disease can interrupt this process and cause uncomfortable symptoms. Gallstones — hard deposits of cholesterol or other substances — are a common type of gallbladder disease.

If gallstones block the bile duct at the bottom of your gallbladder, you can develop serious inflammation, called cholecystitis. Other examples of gallbladder diseases can include polyps, cancer, tumors, and primary sclerosing cholangitis (bile duct disease).

What are the symptoms of gallbladder disease?

Gallbladder disease can cause many different symptoms, such as:

Gas
Abdominal discomfort after eating
Frequent diarrhea
Upper abdominal pain
Pain in the middle of your upper back
Pain in your right side abdomen or shoulder
Nausea and vomiting
Fever and chills
Dark urine
Lighter stools
Jaundice

Your symptoms may occur in bouts, often starting after you eat a big meal, particularly a high-fat meal.

Not every person with gallstones has symptoms. But if you have any of these issues on a regular basis, it's important to come in to Oasis Advanced Gastroenterology for an assessment soon.

What are the risk factors for gallbladder disease?

There are quite a few risk factors for gallbladder disease, including:

Being overweight or obese
Eating a lot of fatty foods
Lacking physical activity
Being female
Being age 40 or older
Being Native American or Hispanic

You can manage many risk factors, like your diet and weight, with help from Dr. Asgeri.

How is gallbladder disease treated?

Treatment depends on how serious your gallbladder symptoms are and how they affect your life. You may need an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), a type of endoscopy in which Dr. Asgeri removes gallstones through an endoscope in your mouth.

If you undergo ERCP but have recurring gallstones, Dr. Asgeri may recommend gallbladder removal. You don't need a gallbladder to live, as bile can still travel directly from your liver to your small intestine through other ducts.

If gallbladder disease symptoms make you feel and function poorly, work with Dr. Asgeri to find a solution. Call the Oasis Advanced Gastroenterology team or click the online scheduler now.

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