--- title: Gallbladder Disease date: 2024-08-09T11:35:00-05:00 author: Click Rain Inc canonical_url: "https://www.schneckmed.org/conditions/gallstone-and-gallbladder-disease" section: Conditions --- ![patient and doctor sit across from each other at a desk](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Patients-Visitors/_50x19_crop_center-center_none/Schneck_Billing_FeaturedImage.jpg) # Gallbladder Disease Discover causes and treatments for gallbladder disease. ## **What is Gallbladder Disease?** The gallbladder is the organ responsible for aiding digestion. It stores and releases bile from the liver, which is used to break down food. The bile is pushed through tubes called "bile ducts" to the small intestine, where the breakdown occurs. Gallbladder disease is caused by infection or blockage, whether in the gallbladder itself or the bile ducts. It can affect other organs, too as it's connected to them by the bile ducts. The buildup results in a number of symptoms, such as pain in the upper right abdomen, nausea, vomiting, fast heart rate, jaundice, bloating, gas, and diarrhea. ## What are Gallstones? The primary reason for this blockage? Gallstones. Various other diseases, such as gangrene or cancer, can lead to blockage and infection, but gallstones are by far the most common. Gallstones are created as a result of excess bile forming lumps that can continue to grow and populate. While 15% of the population experiences gallstones, only 20% have complications or symptoms. ![Doctor checking a patient for gallstones pain](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Conditions/_40x50_fit_center-center_none/24-Schneck-Condition-Gallstones-RCB-750x450.jpg) ## **Treatment at Schneck** It is vital for individuals experiencing pain, irregularities, or discomfort related to digestion to speak with their doctor. The providers at [Schneck Gastroenterology ](https://www.schneckmed.org/medical-services/gastroenterology)will conduct a thorough evaluation of symptoms and administer tests before determining the next steps. Once diagnosed with gallbladder disease, treatment can involve several different methods. First, patients will most likely receive antibiotics to treat the infection. Another way of treating the disease is to use[ Endoscopic](https://www.schneckmed.org/treatments/endoscopic-retrograde-cholangiopancreatography-ercp)[ Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography](https://www.schneckmed.org/treatments/endoscopic-retrograde-cholangiopancreatography-ercp) to provide temporary relief. This involves using instruments at the end of an endoscope to remove gallstones, take samples, and create openings in the bile ducts. However, the only way to fully treat gallbladder disease is [surgery](https://www.schneckmed.org/treatments/gallbladder-removal). In this case, individuals with the disease will have parts or all of their gallbladder removed. ## Choose Schneck Medical Center Our team is well-equipped to treat issues related to the gallbladder. With years of education, research, and experience, our doctors are driven to provide permanent solutions to their patients. Trust [Schneck Gastroenterology](https://www.schneckmed.org/medical-services/gastroenterology) for reliable, personalized gallbladder disease treatment. ![](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)## Providers Our gastroenterology team treats gallstones and gallbladder disease. ![Doctor Amanda Dick](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Doctors/_25x25_crop_center-center_none/DrAmandaDick.jpg) ### Amanda M. Dick, MD General Surgery, da Vinci Surgery [View Info »](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors/amanda-m-dick) ![Doctor Maurer](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Doctors/_25x25_crop_center-center_none/Maurer_22-crop-pic.jpg) ### Susan Maurer, MD General Surgeon, da Vinci Surgery [View Info »](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors/dr-susan-maurer) ![headshot of G. Brandon Millick, MD](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Doctors/_25x25_crop_center-center_none/Millick-headshot.jpg) ### G. Brandon Millick, MD Bariatrics/Surgical Weight Loss, General Surgery, da Vinci Surgery [View Info »](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors/g-brandon-millick) ![Headshot of Dr. Antonio Spates](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Doctors/_25x25_crop_center-center_none/DrSpates02-3x3.jpg) ### Antonio Spates, MD General Surgery, da Vinci Surgery [View Info »](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors/antonio-spates) ![Doctor Samuel Borcherding](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Doctors/_25x25_crop_center-center_none/DrSamuelBorcherding.jpg) ### Samuel C. Borcherding, MD Primary Care [View Info »](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors/borcherding) ![](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Doctors/_25x25_crop_center-center_none/DrFye2026-01-copy-3x3.jpg) ### John L. Fye, MD Family Medicine [View Info »](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors/john-l-fye) ![Doctor Morin](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Doctors/_25x25_crop_center-center_none/DrMorin.jpg) ### Bradley S. Morin, MD Primary Care [View Info »](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors/bradley-s-morin) ![Doctor Frey](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Doctors/_25x25_crop_center-center_none/DrFrey.jpg) ### Aaron D. Frey, MD Primary Care [View Info »](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors/aaron-d-frey) ![David Wilson](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Doctors/_25x25_crop_center-center_none/DavidWilson.jpg) ### David S. Wilson, MD Pulmonology [View Info »](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors/david-s-wilson) [View All Providers](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors) ## Gastroenterology at Schneck Have a question? Want to find a surgeon? Click on the button to explore your options. [Get Connected](https://www.schneckmed.org/medical-services/gastroenterology)