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Gallstones
Gallstones can strike suddenly, causing sharp abdominal pain and issues when hardened bile stones block your gallbladder or ducts. In Houston, Dr. Nghia Nguyen at GastroDoxs combines advanced diagnostics, tailored treatments, and compassionate support to restore your comfort and health.
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Being female or over 40 years old
Overweight or rapid weight loss
Family history of gallstones
Certain blood disorders (e.g., sickle cell disease)
Pregnancy or hormone therapy
Signs and Symptoms
Often none (silent gallstones)
Sudden, intense pain in the upper right abdomen
Nausea or vomiting
Bloating or discomfort after fatty meals
Jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes)
How Dr. Nghia Nguyen Diagnoses Gallstones &?
Dr. Nguyen uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Physical Exam
She reviews your pain pattern, meal triggers and any epigastric discomfort, then palpates your right upper quadrant and epigastrium for tenderness.
Blood Tests
We check liver function tests (AST, ALT, ALP), bilirubin levels and pancreatic enzymes (amylase, lipase) to rule out pancreatitis or other causes of upper-abdominal pain.
Imaging Studies
Abdominal ultrasound to visualize gallstones, gallbladder wall thickening or bile-duct dilation.
HIDA scan (cholescintigraphy) to assess gallbladder ejection fraction and cystic duct patency.
CT scan or MRI/MRCP when complications (like choledocholithiasis or pancreatitis) are suspected.
Advanced Endoscopic Testing
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) for detecting small stones in bile ducts, and ERCP if stone removal or stenting is indicated.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for gallstones.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Changes
Avoid fried and greasy foods
Avoid high-fat meats like bacon and sausage
Avoid full-fat dairy products
Avoid sugary foods and white bread
Emphasize lean meats, fresh fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats like olive oil
2. Medications
Ursodiol to help dissolve small gallstones
Pain-relief medications to ease discomfort
3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (keyhole surgery to remove the gallbladder)
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) to remove stones from the bile ducts
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and advanced imaging for precise diagnosis and treatment planning
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ICD 10 code for gallstones?
The main code is K80.2 for general gallstones. Specific types use other K80.x codes depending on location and complications.
Can gallstones go away on their own?
Small cholesterol stones may dissolve with ursodiol therapy, but most gallstones require medical or surgical intervention.
Can gallstones form after gallbladder removal?
Yes. Stones can still develop in the bile ducts (choledocholithiasis). Regular follow-up imaging helps detect them early.
What foods should I avoid with gallstones?
Avoid fried, greasy, high-fat, and processed foods. Opt for lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats like olive oil.
Will I always need surgery for gallstones?
No. If symptoms are mild, you may manage with diet modifications and medications. Surgery is recommended for recurrent or severe cases.
How long is recovery after gallbladder surgery?
Most patients go home the same or next day after laparoscopic cholecystectomy and return to normal activities within 1-2 weeks.
