Residual Gallstones post Cholecystectomy

Dear Ask The Doctor: My husband has had Gallblader surgury, probley 2 yrs. ago, BUT still suffers with intense stomach pains. It is Not due to what he eats we have ruled that out. He think it is cause he doesn't drink his required 6-8 glasses of water per day- BUT, I doubt that. I worry cause I think it might be more serious. His pain is higher than the navel region and goes across his stomach, it doubles him up & makes him sweat. This is not a constant pain it comes & goes. He is NOT constompated, he moves reg.- can you offer some choices ?? Pancris ?? ( he is about 40pds over weight) He does feel a bit bloated also. Kim

Dear Kim: Upper abdominal pain is often caused by inflammation of the stomach (gastritis), the gallbladder (cholecystitis), biliary tract or pancreas (pancreatitis). Gallbladder removal is usually performed for treatment of gallstones or chronic inflammation of the gallbladder. It is possible even if you have had your gallbladder removed to still have residual gallstones, in the biliary tract. These can be present in the common bile duct and cause irritation and pain, and can also cause pancreatitis. I would advise your husband attending his family doctor for a detailed history of the pain and a physical examination. He may refer him for further investigation such as abdominal ultrasound or endoscopy to diagnose the cause of the pain.