Surgery for gallstones that cause symptoms

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Surgery for gallstones that cause symptoms

Several conditions or situations may require surgery to remove the gallbladder. Surgery usually is needed when:

Your gallbladder suddenly becomes inflamed or infected (cholecystitis).
Gallstones cause repeated attacks of pain.
You have growths called polyps in the gallbladder, usually larger than 0.4 in. (1 cm), that are causing symptoms.
Gallstones cause inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).
A nonfunctioning gallbladder is causing symptoms.
The gallbladder wall has calcified (porcelain gallbladder).
You have gallstones and an impaired immune system.

By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Peter J. Kahrilas, MD - Gastroenterology
Last Revised	July 22, 2009

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: July 22, 2009

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.