Tuesday, May 25, 2010

What does a high bilirubin count and a gallbladder ultrasound mean?

My doc informed me that I have a high bilirubin count in my blood and wants me to go in for a gallbladder ultrasound. I am a healthy 26 y.o. female. What could this mean? Is it serious?
Answer:
You may have gallstones. Gallstones can block the ducts leading from your gallbladder to your liver. That's why the doc wants an ultrasound to see if you have stones. Millions of people have them without problems. However, if the duct is blocked completely, it can cause problems with your liver or the gallbladder itself. There are various treatments to get rid of the stones. In some cases, it may require removing your gallbladder. It's a fairly routine surgery.
You could have jaundice. The doc wants you to have a gallbladder scan because it produces bile, the bile breaks down partially into bilirubin, which is supposed to be excreted by your body as waste. If your gallbladder is ruptured or damaged, the bile may be entering your bloodstream.
it may mean you have gallstones or some other obstruction and may need your gallbladder removed. It can happen to anyone healthy or not.

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