Gallstones or recurring upper-abdominal pain? Meet a NorthStar surgeon to discuss your options.
Recurring abdominal discomfort can have several causes, including gallbladder conditions. If you are experiencing persistent or recurring symptoms, a medical evaluation can help determine the appropriate next steps.
Upper-right abdominal pain; discomfort or pain near the upper-right side of the abdomen.
Pain after meals; abdominal discomfort that may occur after eating, particularly fatty meals.
Nausea or vomiting; symptoms that may accompany gallbladder-related episodes.
Recurring abdominal discomfort; episodes that return or interfere with everyday activities.
These symptoms may have several causes, and a medical evaluation can help determine whether your gallbladder is involved.
If you have been diagnosed with one of these, or your symptoms point toward it, a surgical consultation is the next step. Whether treatment is appropriate depends on your diagnosis, imaging and symptoms.
Gallstones (cholelithiasis); hardened deposits in the gallbladder. Many cause no symptoms; others bring on pain when they block the flow of bile.
Gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis); inflammation of the gallbladder wall, often triggered by a stone obstructing the duct.
Biliary dyskinesia; the gallbladder does not empty as it should, producing similar symptoms even when no stones are present.
Recurring upper-abdominal pain; episodes that keep returning, particularly after meals, that have not been explained.
Gallbladder removal is known medically as a cholecystectomy. NorthStar Surgery Specialists provides gallbladder surgery consultations for patients in Austin and surrounding Central Texas communities. Your surgeon reviews your symptoms, imaging and medical history before recommending anything, and explains which approach suits your case.
Minimally invasive; small incisions rather than open surgery, where the case is suitable.
Robotic-assisted; your surgeon controls every instrument directly, and the system does not operate on its own.
Individual planning; the approach is decided case by case, not by a standard protocol.
Experienced surgical team; gallbladder consultations are supported by experienced surgical care, with Dr. Vineet Choudhry and Dr. Cristina Muresanu among the practice's surgeons.
Consider a surgical consultation if you have recurring upper-right abdominal pain, discomfort after eating, or if imaging has already shown gallstones or gallbladder inflammation. A consultation is also reasonable if another physician has suggested you discuss surgery. Severe pain, fever, or yellowing of the skin or eyes needs prompt medical attention rather than a routine appointment.
Share your details and the care team will follow up to help you choose the right starting point.
Gallbladder surgery; share your contact information and our care team will follow up.