On July 16th, 2014 I had surgery in San Diego. Not one of those experiences I would have picked out for myself, but fortunately I was well taken care of and rapidly getting back to normal.

The following information is especially for me. So that I will not forget the information. Or rather when I forget, I will have a record.

Of course, I did not read about my problems until I returned home after having surgery. Therefore, I completely missed this little bit of information on the Mayo Clinic site:

When to see a doctor

Make an appointment with your doctor if you have persistent abdominal pain. Seek immediate medical help if your abdominal pain is so severe that you can't sit still or find a position that makes you more comfortable.

Diseases and Conditions

Cholecystitis

Definition

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Cholecystitis (ko-luh-sis-TIE-tis) is inflammation of the gallbladder. Your gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ on the right side of your abdomen, just beneath your liver. The gallbladder holds a digestive fluid called bile that's released into your small intestine.

In most cases, cholecystitis is caused by gallstones that block the tube leading out of your gallbladder. This results in a buildup of bile that can cause inflammation. Other causes of cholecystitis include bile duct problems and tumors.

If left untreated, cholecystitis can lead to serious complications, such as a gallbladder that becomes enlarged or that ruptures. Once diagnosed, cholecystitis requires a hospital stay. Treatment for cholecystitis often eventually includes gallbladder removal.

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The gallbladder serves as a reservoir for bile, a yellow-green fluid produced in your liver. Bile flows from your liver into your gallbladder, where it's held until needed during the digestion of food. When you eat, your gallbladder releases bile into the bile duct, where it's carried to the upper part of the small intestine (duodenum) to help break down fat in food.

Diseases and Conditions

Pancreatitis

Definition

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Pancreatitis is inflammation in the pancreas. The pancreas is a long, flat gland that sits tucked behind the stomach in the upper abdomen. The pancreas produces enzymes that assist digestion and hormones that help regulate the way your body processes sugar (glucose).

Pancreatitis can occur as acute pancreatitis — meaning it appears suddenly and lasts for days. Or pancreatitis can occur as chronic pancreatitis, which describes pancreatitis that occurs over many years.

Mild cases of pancreatitis may go away without treatment, but severe cases can cause life-threatening complications.

Pancreatitis caused by gallstones

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Gallstones are a common cause of pancreatitis. Gallstones, produced in the gallbladder, can block the bile duct, stopping pancreatic enzymes from traveling to the small intestine and forcing them back into the pancreas. The enzymes then begin to irritate the cells of the pancreas, causing the inflammation associated with pancreatitis.

Scripps Mercy Hospital

Directions
Scripps Mercy Hospital is a private Catholic teaching hospital located in San Diego, California. Founded in 1890, it is the oldest hospital in San Diego County and has campuses in Chula Vista, California and Hillcrest, a neighborhood of San Diego. Wikipedia
Address: 4077 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103

Dennis Mayer, MD

41 patients recommend this physician

Dr. Mayer was board certified in Surgery in 1993. Dr. Mayer received his medical degree from Hahnemann University in 1987. He served his residency specializing in General Surgery at Cooper University Medical Center. He served colon and rectal Fellowship at Parkland Hospital/Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas Texas.

Hahnemann University is located in Philadelphia.