What are Gallstones?

Gallstones are hard deposits of matter than can form in your gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ on the right side of your abdomen. Gallstones can come in many sizes, from the size of a piece of sand to a golf ball. Depending on your signs and symptoms, gallstone removal may be necessary. For those who don’t experience symptoms, treatment is typically not necessary. However, those who do experience early symptoms of gallstones should seek medical treatment as soon as possible as surgery may be required.

Early Symptoms of Gallstones

Symptoms of gallstones can come in various forms and can include any of the following:

  1. Severe and sudden abdominal pain in the upper right side (and sometimes extending to the back) and/or center of your abdomen
  2. Pain between your shoulder blades
  3. Clay-colored stool or dark urine
  4. Severe nausea and/or vomiting
  5. Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and/or eyes)
  6. Fever and/or shivering
  7. Pain in your right shoulder

The pain associated with early symptoms of gallstones may last several minutes to hours. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult with your Los Angeles gastroenterologist as soon as possible. If the pain is intolerable, head to your local urgent care or emergency room to obtain medical treatment.

Most people with gallstones do not have symptoms. However, experiencing symptoms usually means the gallstones have become inflamed and lodged in one of the ducts that carry bile from your liver to your small intestine. Bile is a digestive liquid held in the gallbladder. For those who experience symptoms, medical care is necessary to ensure proper treatment and care.

Treatment for Gallstones

If you experience any early symptoms of gallstones and it is not an emergency, Dr. Siamak Tabib is one of the most trusted gallstone specialists in Los Angeles.

Dr. Tabib begins with a one-on-one consultation to diagnose the issue by conducting an ultrasound, blood test, CT scan, and MRI. In addition, Dr. Tabib will examine your medical history and symptoms to ensure gallstones are the issue. It is important to Dr. Tabib to obtain a comprehensive understanding of your medical history and current symptoms to ensure that gallstones are the primary medical issue. Dr. Tabib is focused entirely on patient outcomes and takes the time to address any questions or concerns at the consultation.

Contact Us

Nearly 25 million people are affected by gallstones, which is 10 to 15 percent of the U.S. population. While Dr. Tabib has worked with a wide variety of patients, he understands that each person may have fears and apprehension about the condition. He is well-versed and highly qualified, commonly referred to as the “stomach doctor.” He is focused on providing clients with the best care and support throughout the process.

Dr. Tabib is a board-certified physician and one of the leading gastrointestinal specialists in the Los Angeles area. He also received his medical degree from one of the top medical schools in the nation, the University of California Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine. He has even been voted best gastroenterologist in Los Angeles each year since 2010.

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Siamak Tabib, M.D., Inc.
8631 W 3rd St Suite 1015E,
Los Angeles, CA 90048

(310) 683-4911

    Voted Best Gastroenterologist in Los Angeles

    2010-2022

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