Pancreatic, Biliary and Gallbladder Disease Clinic

Stone-like objects that develop in the gallbladder or bile ducts. They can range in size from a tiny grain of sand to a golf ball. People who experience symptoms usually require gallbladder removal surgery. Gallstones that don’t cause any signs and symptoms typically don’t need treatment. Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any signs or symptoms that worry you. Seek immediate care if you develop signs and symptoms of a serious gallstone complication such as abdominal pain so intense that you can’t sit still or find a comfortable position, yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes (jaundice), high fever with chills.

Inflammation (swelling) of the pancreas. This can cause the release of inflammatory cells and toxins that may harm your lungs, kidneys and heart. There are many conditions that can lead to pancreatitis, but the main causes are gallstones or heavy alcohol use. The condition can flare up suddenly or be a long-lasting problem, which can lead to permanent damage of the pancreas.

Inflammation of the gallbladder. The gallbladder stores bile and releases it after you eat a meal. Cholecystitis is commonly caused by gallstones that have blocked your cystic duct, which prevents bile from exiting your gallbladder. If left untreated, cholecystitis can lead to serious, sometimes life-threatening complications, such as a gallbladder rupture. Treatment for cholecystitis often involves gallbladder removal.

Some examples of bile duct disorders may include cancer, cholangiatis (infection of bile duct), bile duct leaks, biliary stricture (an abnormal narrowing of the bile duct), and biliary stones.