What Does My Ultrasound Scan Test Report Indicate?

Posted on Sun, 15 May 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 15 May 2016 Answered on

Wed, 22 Jun 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I am a 50 yr old female. . Last Thursday I was told through an er visit (as a result of severe upper right abdominal pain and nausea that lasts for hours and has been coming and going for one month) that I have gallbladder sludge. I was told to follow-up with my GP who has referred me to a gastroenterologist. In the meantime, was given a script for Tylenol 3s and gravol, which only helps when I have flare-ups (1 or 2x a week, despite reducing fat intake and alcohol). What can a gastro do and is there anything else I can do? Having an attack now. Concerned about side effects/damage to other organs from taking tylenol 3s.

Additional information from the ultrasound (blood and urine tests came back normal):

Liver/spleen: benign small liver cysts
Gallbladder (distal duct generally obscured) No gallstones. Some minor gallbladder particulate and/or sludge.

Pancreas: unremarkable

Kidneys: 5 mm echogenic focus left kdiney. Of doubtful significance.

Aorta and perioaorta: unremarkable

Pevlis: unremarkable

Summary: minor particulate/sludge, wall thickening or duct distention.

Just checking to see when I will receive a response. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Ajit Naniksingh Kukreja (20 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Can be managed conservatively

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing in

Minor sludge or particulate can very well be managed conservatively

All that you need is a seven to ten days treatment with antibiotics and antiinflammatory agents, Tylenol 3S would be harmless for shot term uses except that the codeine in it may cause constipation

A proton pump inhibitor before breakfast and a probiotic before breakfast and dinner would also help

The only issue if the sludge increases and gets obstructed in common bile duct might need CBD stenting endoscopically followed by Laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Hope this helps
DO write back in case of concern

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Naveen Kumar