The gallbladder is sac in your body responsible for storing bile (a fluid that helps break down fatty foods). Pain occurs in your gallbladder when its tissues are inflamed or a stone is causing obstruction. Gallbladder pain is usually located in the upper right quadrant of your stomach. The pain can be sharp, dull or achy. It may be constant or fleeting, and can move from your stomach to your shoulder. This is called referred pain. If you have gallbladder pain, there are specific steps to get rid of it.
Step 1
Get an injection of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE). This medication works directly in your gallbladder to dissolve any stones and decrease your pain. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that gallstones can be dissolved within five to 12 hours using this technique. This is a dangerous procedure and only a doctor should administer this treatment.
Step 2
A doctor can administer intravenous pain medication such as meperidine or ketorolac to relieve gallbladder pain.
Step 3
Breakup your gallstones using lithotripsy. Your doctor will place a probe at the level of your gallbladder and send shock-wave impulses to the site of your gallstone. This will destroy the stone, easing your gallbladder pain.
Step 4
Schedule an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with endoscopic sphincterotomy. This procedure will remove any stones from your bile duct (a structure that carries bile to your small intestine). This can help relieve your gallbladder pain.
Step 5
A surgeon can perform a cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal). This is frequently performed laparoscopically using a handheld surgical instrument with a small camera attached at the end.
Step 6
Go to your family doctor and obtain a prescription for ursodiol, chenodiol or ursodeoxycholic acid. These medications are used to dissolve any gallstones that may be causing your gallblader pain. The University of Maryland Medical Center states this method is rarely used, but is still an option.
Things You'll Need
- Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE)
- Intravenous pain medication such as meperidine or ketorolac
- Ursodeoxycholic acid
- Ursodiol
- Chenodiol
