What Causes Constipation And Shortness Of Breath Post Gall Bladder Removal?

Posted on Mon, 2 Feb 2015

Question: I had my gall bladder taken out and since then Ive had a change in my bowel movements. Ive experienced constipation, shortness of breath and a pain in the niddle of my back. I also experience fullness in the upper part of my stomach even when I haven't eaten that much. Lastly difficulty loosing any kind of weight even though my intake is little.

Answered by Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
?Postcholecystectomy syndrome (PCS)

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query. I can understand your concerns.
You might be having Postcholecystectomy syndrome (PCS) .

Symptoms of postcholecystectomy syndrome may include:
Gas,Bloating or fullness of stomach
Persistent pain in the upper right abdomen.
Symptoms occur in about 5 to 40 percent of patients who undergo cholecystectomy and can be transient, persistent or lifelong.

The pain associated with postcholecystectomy syndrome is usually ascribed to either sphincter of Oddi dysfunction or to post-surgical adhesions or biliary microlithiasis.
Approximately 50% of cases are due to biliary causes such as remaining stone, biliary injury, dysmotility, and choledococyst.
The remaining 50% are due to non-biliary causes.
This is because upper abdominal pain and gallstones are both common but are not always related.

The following investigations are advised:
Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity-to rule out any pancreatic problem in view of pain in the middle of back.
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD) for examination of the stomach, duodenum and the area major duodenal papilla.

Constipation and weight gain needs exclusion of hypothyroidism as co-morbidity.You need to undertake thyroid function test like Serum T3,T4,& TSH study

Regards

Dr. T.K. Biswas M.D. XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas (18 hours later)

Who is the best specialist to go to. And do you have any recommendations in palm XXXXXXX area/Eisenhower medical etc....

Answered by Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Follow-up query

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query. I can understand your concerns.

A Medical Gastro-enterologist will suffice.
I wish I knew someone in your area. But to be honest, I do not. it would be better if you queried your insurance company or your Primary Care Doctor. They would very likely know someone you can go to.

There is a service called HealthGrades.Com. You might find some reviews of doctor in your area from that site.

Regards

Dr. T.K. Biswas M.D. XXXXXXX

Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj