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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is A Gallbladder Surgery Necessary For An Elderly Woman?

My mother is 90 years old as has gall stones. The surgeon wants to remove her gall bladder. I am concerned the risks of complications or other issues with the surgery are not justified. Is this surgery necessary in light of her age? What is the downside of her not having surgery?
Sat, 23 Jun 2018
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello and welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

To be very honest, Gall stones surgery is done if it is causing problem,, it mainly cause two problems,ie recurrent pain in the abdomen, or persistent stomach pain especially after meals. And if there is complication ie , pancreatitis ,or jaundice. Surgery nay be done in asymtomatic people if healthy and no anesthesia risk. Regarding your grand mom , if she has no symptoms or symptoms are not troublesome for her, personally would advise not to go for surgery. If she is symptomatic, then the risk of surgery should be discussed with anasthatist, if anasthatist declares fit , she can go fro surgery. Not going for surgery ,there is a slight risk of pancreatitis , or the stone can slip to block the bile duct and cause jaundice,but this risk is less then the surgery in a 90 years old lady.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

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Is A Gallbladder Surgery Necessary For An Elderly Woman?

Hello and welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. To be very honest, Gall stones surgery is done if it is causing problem,, it mainly cause two problems,ie recurrent pain in the abdomen, or persistent stomach pain especially after meals. And if there is complication ie , pancreatitis ,or jaundice. Surgery nay be done in asymtomatic people if healthy and no anesthesia risk. Regarding your grand mom , if she has no symptoms or symptoms are not troublesome for her, personally would advise not to go for surgery. If she is symptomatic, then the risk of surgery should be discussed with anasthatist, if anasthatist declares fit , she can go fro surgery. Not going for surgery ,there is a slight risk of pancreatitis , or the stone can slip to block the bile duct and cause jaundice,but this risk is less then the surgery in a 90 years old lady. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.