Question Title: gallbladder and anal problems

Dear Maria,

Biliary colic (pain secondary to gallstones) is most often pain located in the middle or right side of the upper abdomen lasting for at least 30 minutes after eating which tends to increase in intensity and then slowly subside. A dull ache can persist for 24-48 hours. It can be associated with nausea and vomiting and can radiate to the back. Although eating foods with high fat content can sometimes bring on an attack of biliary pain this is not often the case. Furthermore, even if one has the classic symptoms of biliary pain, the pain may be associated with another cause of abdominal pain such as gastroesophageal reflux, peptic ulcer disease, irritable bowel syndrome, non-ulcer dyspepsia or pancreatitis. In many patients it is very hard to clinically distinguish the cause of abdominal pain. A physician usually has to order additional tests in order to establish the diagnosis. A transabdominal ultrasound will image gallstones in a majority of cases. However, you should keep in mind that just because gallstones are present on the ultrasound, it does not guarantee that gallstones are causing your pain. An upper GI series or an upper endoscopy will help exclude other causes of abdominal pain.

I don’t believe that there is any association between the anal surgeries that you had and the presence of a gallbladder problem. However, in patients with a type of inflammatory bowel disease called Crohn’s disease, fissures are commonly present and there is an increased incidence of gallstones. I hope you find this information helpful.

This response is being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Always check with your personal physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.

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HFHSM.D.-ym
*Keywords: biliary pain, gallstones, anal surgery, ultrasound