There are a number of ways to treat this but the most common method is an ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangio - pancreatogrpqahy) - see link under procedures for further information.
This is called the post cholecystectomy syndrome. The issue is what was the original cause of your pain; as removing the gallbladder has not helped. There are a number of other diagnoses to consider but its important to exclude CBD stones as this is easily treatable.
Small stones - these are more likely to migrate into the common bile duct
Short answer - no ; long answer - yes. Some patients later in life can develop poor biliary drainage and develop primary bile duct stones (muddy stones/sludge). We also see patients with CBD stones (bile duct stones) that may have been present since the gallbladder surgery but did not get detected/treated.
Yes - see answer to previous question regarding eating normally. The diarrhoea can be “bad “ enough that medication maybe required to reduce the diarrhoea for some time (e.g. cholestyramine)
Yes. There are patients who will realise certain foods do not “agree” with them e.g.. dairy/fatty foods etc. Some patients with irritable bowel syndrome may develop further gastrointestinal symptoms including bloating/diarrhoea and abdominal discomfort.
There is a strong genetic disposition towards gallstone disease. If a first degree relative has had symptomatic gallstones and required surgery; then chances are you will too.
The short answer is no - you don’t need the gallbladder removed. There are some patients (high risk groups) who may need the gallbladder removed as a prophylactic measure.
If you remove the stones only, further stones will develop in the gallbladder. The original problem is the reservoir (the gallbladder - where bile is stored); so therefore the gallbladder needs to be removed.
Symptoms can be related to the gallbladder - usually called biliary colic or a recent infection (acute cholecystitis). These symptoms may reoccur with further attacks; and there is also a risk of complications occurring (pancreatitis/jaundice/cholangitis). Some patients will elect to try and change their diet; lose weight but we know that recurring attacks will occur. [...]
