Q. Do you agree that gallbladder stone and polyp together increase the risk of malignancy?
Hi doctor,
My recent ultrasound of the gallbladder showed a 4 mm polyp, a 1.7 cm stone and a small amount of sludge. Though I am asymptomatic, I visited my gastroenterologist. His opinion was that though rare, having a stone and polyp increases my risk to malignancy and suggested removal. I am very hesitant to removal and seeking your input regarding the increased malignancy risk. Would Ursodiol be useful? If so, how long would it take to work?
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
- Yes, Ursodeoxycholic acid can be tried for three months. But, it is effective only in about 40% of the cases.
- A gallstone even if asymptomatic should be removed through surgery because if somehow it slips into the bile duct, then it will block the pancreatic duct causing the symptoms of pancreatitis.
- Pancreatitis is a medical emergency which can be fatal. Hence, gallbladder stone should be removed laparoscopically at the earliest.
For further information consult a medical gastroenterologist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/medical-gastroenterologist
Thank you doctor,
Regarding my gastroenterologist statement that having both a stone and polyp increases my malignancy risk, are you in agreement with that? I am very reluctant to go for surgery as I read many people complain of lifelong digestive and bowel issues post surgery. Does being male reduce or increase post surgery complication risk?
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
- Yes, a polyp and a stone at the same time can increase the chance of malignancy in future by about 0.5% to 1%.
- Practically, I have performed almost 2000 cholecystectomy and the only problem patient usually face is that they have to limit their fat intake. However, there are many complications, yet they are very rare.
- Sex has nothing to do with increased risk. Please attach the printed reports of ultrasound of your abdomen to know the location of polyp, stone and its proximity with bile duct.
Review with reports to a medical gastroenterologist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/medical-gastroenterologist
Have seen all the reports and photos attached.
The size of the stone is small,Actually small stones are more dangerous then large stones,Because chances of them slipping out of the gall bladder into common bile duct are very high and this can lead to a number of complication,which can be even life threatning also.
Sludge is also present in gall bladder which will further crystalize into new stones.
My suggestion is get the gal bladder removed and stay away from any tension.
Thanks
Polyps less then 1cm are usually non malignant so dont worry about malignancy
Location of stone is in non dependent part which means on the other side of bile duct however location of stone vary with movements because stone unlike polyp is not fixed.
Urodeoxyxholic acid 300mg twice daily can be tried for 3 months if you dont want to go for surgical procedures.
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