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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
gallbladder and hep c
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin, M.D.
Boston - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
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gallbladder and hep c
by brimattky, Sep 01, 2004 12:00AM
My mother is 77 yo and diagnosed with hep c about 5 years ago. Since her dx she has experienced esophigial varices, diverticulitis,ascities,cirrosis,ammonia in blood,liver cancer. She just had ambilical hernia repaired(believed to be from incision from rf obliteration of tumor)They did not put in mesh as they did not want to take chance of ascities spreading. they just tucked everything in and stitched her closed so as not to cut into the abdominal cavity.She was just hospitalized with abdominal pain. They ran tests for gallbladder and found thickening and some calcifications.Ran another to see if bile duct was blocked. Must have been clear because they gave her steak and asparagus for dinner! They are contemplating removal but are worried about risks of infection and her ability to recover from surgery.What are the risks if she does not have surgery as compared to risks of surgery and infections?
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Sep 04, 2004 12:00AM
, Sep 04, 2004 12:00AM
The risks of surgery would depend on how far the liver cancer has spread. Certainly if the cancer has spread too far, this would impact on the decision of the surgery. If things like chemotherapy is used for the cancer, that also would influence healing and infection rate.
However, if there is something blocking (i.e. a stone) the bile duct, that also may increase the risk of infection if the gallbladder stays in.
Tough decision either way. Again, in cases like this, more opinions should be sought before the procedure to ensure you and your mother are making an informed decision.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
However, if there is something blocking (i.e. a stone) the bile duct, that also may increase the risk of infection if the gallbladder stays in.
Tough decision either way. Again, in cases like this, more opinions should be sought before the procedure to ensure you and your mother are making an informed decision.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
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