Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Gallbladder Removed Due To Black And Muddy Sludge, Feels Terrible

I had my gallbladder out a week ago today. I was told that I had black, muddy sludge in my gallbladder. What exactly does that mean? I also hear that most patients who have lap chole s are back to normal in just a few days. I am exactly a week post op, and I still feel terrible. I am 34, no medical problems, 5 2, 110 pounds, and very active with my two children. Thanks!
posted on Tue, 15 May 2012
Twitter Fri, 18 May 2012 Answered on
Twitter Fri, 18 May 2012 Last reviewed on
Report Abuse
Gastroenterologist, Surgical,  's  Response
Dear ...!

Many thanks for the query.
I have gone through your mail thoroughly and could understand your position. Muddy sludge is a powder like material formed and seen in the gall bladder which eventually get hardened to form gall stones. Sludge is more dangerous than stones as this material can get into the bile duct and can cause jaundice and pancreatitis due to obstruction to passage of pancreatic secretions. Pain and abdominal discomfort are not common after a laparoscopic cholecystectomy after 2-3 days after surgery. Pain abdomen a week after surgery would suggest a retained stone in the common bile duct or some pancreatitis due to residual sludge in the CBD, gastritis, duodenal ulcer etc... You need to see a doctor and get some blood tests and an ultrasonogram of the abdomen to rule out any ominous cause of your pain.

Regards
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Recent questions on Duodenal ulcer


Loading Online Doctors....
Gallbladder Removed Due To Black And Muddy Sludge, Feels Terrible

Dear ...! Many thanks for the query. I have gone through your mail thoroughly and could understand your position. Muddy sludge is a powder like material formed and seen in the gall bladder which eventually get hardened to form gall stones. Sludge is more dangerous than stones as this material can get into the bile duct and can cause jaundice and pancreatitis due to obstruction to passage of pancreatic secretions. Pain and abdominal discomfort are not common after a laparoscopic cholecystectomy after 2-3 days after surgery. Pain abdomen a week after surgery would suggest a retained stone in the common bile duct or some pancreatitis due to residual sludge in the CBD, gastritis, duodenal ulcer etc... You need to see a doctor and get some blood tests and an ultrasonogram of the abdomen to rule out any ominous cause of your pain. Regards