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Is Treatment Necessary for Gallstones? ,
man suffering from pain in lower right abdomen on sofa at home

Gallstones are a common medical condition that can affect the gallbladder, a small organ located under the liver. While many people with gallstones experience no symptoms and may not need treatment, there are cases where medical intervention becomes necessary. At the gastroenterology practice of David P Yamini, MD, in Santa Monica, CA, we specialize in diagnosing and treating gallstones, ensuring that our patients receive the best care tailored to their specific needs.

Understanding Gallstone Formation

Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid that can form in the gallbladder. They vary in size from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball. Gallstones are primarily composed of cholesterol or bilirubin, a substance produced from the breakdown of red blood cells. There are two different types of gallstones:

  • Cholesterol Gallstones: These are the most common type and are formed when there is too much cholesterol in the bile.
  • Pigment Gallstones: These stones form when there is excess bilirubin in the bile, often associated with liver disease or blood disorders.

Causes of Gallstones

Several factors can contribute to the formation of gallstones, including:

  • Excess Cholesterol: When the liver excretes more cholesterol than the bile can dissolve, it can crystallize and form stones.
  • Bile Imbalance: An imbalance in the substances that make up bile can promote the formation of gallstones.
  • Gallbladder Function: If the gallbladder does not empty completely or frequently enough, bile can become concentrated and form stones.

Symptoms Associated with Gallstones

While some people with gallstones never experience symptoms, there are risks associated with untreated gallstones, particularly if they block the bile ducts.

  • Pain: Sudden and intense pain in the upper right abdomen, back, or right shoulder, known as a gallbladder attack or biliary colic.
  • Nausea and Vomiting: Accompanying the pain, these symptoms are often triggered by fatty meals.
  • Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes, indicating a blockage in the bile ducts.

Risks and Complications

Untreated gallstones can lead to serious complications, including:

  • Cholecystitis: Inflammation of the gallbladder, which can cause severe pain and fever.
  • Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas, which can occur if a gallstone blocks the pancreatic duct.
  • Cholangitis: Infection of the bile ducts, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

When is Treatment Necessary?

Not all gallstones require treatment, especially if they are asymptomatic. However, treatment becomes necessary in the following situations:

  • Symptomatic Gallstones: If you experience recurrent gallbladder attacks, pain, or other symptoms, treatment is recommended to prevent further complications.
  • Complications: Immediate treatment is necessary if you develop complications such as cholecystitis, pancreatitis, or cholangitis. These conditions require prompt medical attention to prevent severe health issues.
  • Preventive Measures: In some cases, treatment may be recommended to prevent future problems, especially if you have a high risk of complications due to underlying health conditions or recurrent gallstone episodes.

Treatment Options

At the practice of David P Yamini, MD, we offer a range of treatment options for gallstones tailored to your specific condition. Oral medications can help dissolve cholesterol gallstones over time, though this treatment is generally slow and not always effective as the stones can reoccur. For those experiencing symptoms or complications, minimally invasive options may be recommended to remove or break up the stones. However, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the most common and effective treatment. This minimally invasive surgery removes the gallbladder and is associated with a quick recovery time.

While not all gallstones require treatment, it is essential to monitor for symptoms and seek medical advice if you experience pain or complications. At the gastroenterology practice of David P Yamini, MD, in Santa Monica, CA, we provide expert diagnosis and personalized treatment plans to manage gallstones effectively. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and ensure your digestive health is in good hands.

Posted on behalf of David P. Yamini, MD

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Our Patient Reviews

David P. Yamini, MD

4.9 / 5.0

Based on 58 reviews

Nicole R.

Scheduling was extremely easy with Dr. Yamini's staff, I scheduled my Tuesday appointment on Monday afternoon. The staff and Dr. Yamini were courteous and straightforward - even with new patient paperwork I was out the door within an hour!

Bill C.

Dr. Yamini definitely is a great doctor who is very thorough and detail oriented with his diagnosis. He is very passionate about what he does and was able to answer any question or concern. He took his time before my appointment to look through all the documentation to know exactly what was going on. He definitely was able to put me at ease even though I was very worried. I am very satisfied with his services. Thanks!

Mario O.

He was very gentle about my situation yet did not fail to emphasize about the seriousness that could arise from gastrointestinal problems. Few and far between are as professional and caring as Dr. Yamini and his staff. I was 20 minutes late on Friday evening & they still had me in a room in 5 minutes as a new patient.

Lisa P.

I can’t say enough great things about my first impression of this doctor and his amazing staff! They got me right in and set me up for everything needed. I’ve been looking for the right GI doctor for years having had a very negative experience with another doctor years ago. Dr. Yamini is not only professional, knowledgeable, respectful, and experienced... this guy is “cool” and nice too! His front desk person, Toni was amazing! She was kind, bright, efficient, patient, and positive! ??

Kendall S.

Makes talking about uncomfortable subjects a breeze. Competent and honest: doesn't sell vitamin cleanses and his own probiotics or anything like that. Makes sure your symptoms aren't half-fixed but fully fixed. Gets to the heart of the issue quickly. Good listener. Very sweet receptionist. I hate receiving many phone calls, and she's persistent about making sure you set up an appointment; it was stressing me out. I found the her much easier to connect with once she gave me her cell and said to text.

Babak E.

Thank you Dr. Yamini and Tony. When it comes to patient care and professionalism, I have never received this much care and attention from a physician and the staff. I was able to talk to Dr. Yamini for good period of time allowing me to ask all my questions. Tony you are so cute thank you for scheduling me in last minute.

Kyle K.

I highly recommend Dr. Yamini. He's very personable and actually listens to your issues and concerns, then recommends a reasonable course of action. He was able to properly diagnose my symptoms and get me healthy again. Also his admin Toni is great too, she will help select a facility and verify that your insurance will fully cover. She's really nice and trustworthy as well!

Eric W.

Thorough doctor who cares about his patients, and very meticulous about the details of your ailment. Clearly very knowledgeable and skilled. No wait time for appointments, and the nurse (Toni) is very friendly and follows up appropriately. One of the best doctor experiences I've had and I'd recommend it to anyone.

Office Hours

Monday

8:30AM - 5:30PM

Tuesday

8:30AM - 5:30PM

Wednesday

8:30AM - 5:30PM

Thursday

8:30AM - 5:30PM

Friday

8:30AM - 5:30PM

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

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Contact Us

Santa Monica Office

Address
2001 Santa Monica Blvd #1286
Santa Monica, CA 90404

Phone
(310) 285-3005

FAX
(310) 935-1560

Beverly Hills Office

Address
8920 Wilshire Blvd, Ste. 310
Beverly Hills, CA 90211

Phone
(310) 953-3550

FAX
(310) 935-1560