If a meal at your favorite Birmingham BBQ spot is followed by sharp, recurring pains instead of satisfaction, gallstones might be the culprit. While indigestion is common, it’s vital to know when a nagging ache crosses the line into a possible surgical emergency.
As a General Surgeon located in Birmingham, Dr. Adam Harris frequently sees patients who have waited just a little too long. Here is a guide to help you recognize the red flags and know exactly what to do.
What is the difference between Biliary Colic and Cholecystitis?
Most gallbladder issues start as Biliary Colic. This is the classic gallbladder attack that happens when a gallstone temporarily blocks the gallbladder duct. The pain is usually in the upper right abdomen, often radiating to the right shoulder and back, and typically subsides after an hour or two.
However if that stone stays stuck, it can lead to Cholecystitis which is inflammation or infection of the gallbladder. This can become a surgical emergency.
5 Red Flags: When to Head to a Birmingham ER
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention at an emergency department—such as Grandview Medical Center or St.
Vincent’s:
1. Pain That Won’t Quit
If your abdominal pain lasts longer than 4 to 6 hours and isn’t relieved by changing positions or over-the-counter meds.
2. Fever and Chills
This is a primary sign of infection. An infected gallbladder can become serious and even life-threatening.
3. Jaundice
If you notice a yellow tint to your skin or the whites of your eyes, a gallstone may have moved into the common bile duct, causing a backup of bile.
4. Nausea and Uncontrolled Vomiting
If you cannot keep liquids down, dehydration and electrolyte imbalances are a serious risk.
5. Tea-Colored Urine or Clay-Colored Stools
These are indicators that your biliary system is blocked.
Where Does Dr. Harris Perform Surgery?
Dr. Adam Harris has surgical privileges at: several major local hospitals including:
● Grandview Medical Center (Hwy 280)
● St. Vincent’s Birmingham (Downtown/800 St. Vincent’s Dr)
If you are diagnosed with a gallbladder issue in the ER, you can request that Dr. Harris is called for a surgical consultation or procedure.
The Risk of a Wait and See Approach
While nobody looks forward to surgery, choosing to address gallbladder issues on your own terms is always safer than letting your symptoms dictate the timeline.
Planned Surgery: A planned surgical procedure allows for a predictable schedule for your family and can usually keep you from having to stay in the hospital. Our office is located in the MedHelp Building location on Hwy 280 and we see patients on the St. Vincent’s Birmingham campus as well.
Emergency Surgery: When you wait until it becomes an emergency, the gallbladder can become severely inflamed or infected and surgery can sometimes be more difficult and therefore the associated risks are slightly higher.
Take Action Before an Emergency
You don’t have to wait for an ER visit to get relief. If you’ve had more than one attack in the last few months, it’s time for a surgical consultation.
Dr. Adam Harris specializes in laparoscopic gallbladder removal, a same-day surgery
that gets Birmingham patients back to enjoying their lives – sometimes within a few days,
not weeks.
Don’t wait for the pain to become an emergency.
Contact our Birmingham office today to schedule a consultation. Call (205) 995-9700 to request an appointment.
Sources :
National Institutes of Health (NIH) / InformedHealth.org. Complications of gallstones
NHS Inform. Acute cholecystitis: Signs and symptoms
Mayo Clinic. Cholecystitis – Symptoms and causes
American Academy of Emergency Medicine (AAEM). Timing of Acute Cholecystectomy
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes and does not constitute medical
advice. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please dial 911 or head to the
nearest emergency room immediately.