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Gallbladder Issues

Sam Weissman, MD

Gastroenterologist located in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, NY

Gallbladder issues affect millions of Americans. Fortunately, with early intervention, most of these issues are easy to manage and treat. At his practice in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, board-certified gastroenterologist Sam Weissman, MD, boasts years of experience diagnosing and treating gallbladder issues. To make an appointment at the practice in New York City, call the office today, or schedule online.

Gallbladder Issues Q & A

What is the gallbladder?

The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ positioned between your liver and the upper right side of your abdomen. It stores bile, a combination of cholesterol and fluids that break down the fat from food in your intestine.

Every day, your gallbladder delivers bile to the small intestine. This process makes it easier for your bloodstream to absorb fat-soluble vitamins and nutrients.

What are some common gallbladder issues?

Dr. Weissman diagnoses and treats a variety of common gallbladder issues, including:

  • Inflammation of the gallbladder
  • Gallstones
  • Common bile duct stones (choledocholithiasis)
  • Gallbladder disease without stones
  • Bile duct infection
  • Abscess of the gallbladder
  • Perforated gallbladder
  • Gallbladder polyps
  • Porcelain gallbladder


Dr. Weissman also specializes in the treatment of gallbladder cancer, a disease that causes the cells in your gallbladder to divide and multiply uncontrollably.

What are the symptoms of gallbladder issues?

Regardless of the underlying problem, many gallbladder issues present similar symptoms, including:

  • Pain
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Fever or chills
  • Chronic diarrhea
  • Jaundice (yellow skin)


Many people with gallbladder issues also experience stools that are light in color and dark urine.

How are gallbladder issues diagnosed?

To diagnose gallbladder issues, Dr. Weissman conducts a physical exam, gently pressing on your abdomen to pinpoint areas of pain or tenderness. He also asks about your symptoms, including when they started, their severity, and if any activities, like eating certain foods, makes them worse.

If these measures don’t provide enough insight into your condition, Dr. Weissman might recommend an abdominal ultrasound, an endoscopic ultrasound, or a CT scan. He might also order a series of blood tests. Blood tests can reveal infection, jaundice, or pancreatitis caused by gallstones or other similar issues.

How are gallbladder issues treated?

Treatment of gallbladder issues depends on the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause. Whenever possible, Dr. Weissman recommends conservative treatments like over-the-counter pain medication, prescription pain medication, or lithotripsy. Lithotripsy uses shock waves to break apart gallstones and other masses.

If conservative measures don’t provide adequate relief, more invasive procedures like gallbladder surgery or gallbladder removal may be necessary.

To receive treatment for gallbladder issues, make an appointment at the practice of Sam Weissman, MD, by calling the office today or scheduling online.