Biliary Dyskinesia in Houston: Understanding Gallbladder Dysfunction and Treatment Options

How HIDA Scan Results Guide Biliary Dyskinesia Diagnosis and Treatment for Houston Patients

By Dr. Rizwan Chaudhry, Board-Certified General Surgeon

Introduction

Biliary dyskinesia, a form of gallbladder dysfunction, occurs when the gallbladder’s squeezing action is abnormal, causing chronic right upper abdominal pain even without gallstones. As a fellowship-trained bariatric specialist with advanced fellowship training from the Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic, and Medical Director experience in leading accredited surgical centers, I specialize in evidence-based solutions at Advanced Houston Surgical.

Biliary dyskinesia often leads to frustrating, unexplained symptoms that disrupt daily routines. A HIDA scan helps detect how well the gallbladder empties, guiding personalized treatment plans. For many, surgical removal of the gallbladder may offer meaningful symptom relief and restored quality of life.

Recent studies suggest that patients with classic symptoms and abnormal HIDA scan results can experience significant improvement after cholecystectomy, a minimally invasive procedure I routinely perform.

If you’re tired of inconclusive test results and worried about how your pain affects work or caring for your family, you’re not alone—lasting relief may be possible.

What Is Biliary Dyskinesia?

This condition occurs when the gallbladder doesn’t contract properly causing pain even when no gallstones are present. In my practice, I often see patients like Maria—busy caregivers—who are frustrated by ongoing right upper abdominal pain that disrupts their family life and work. This condition can be confusing because standard ultrasounds and blood tests often come back normal, leaving many feeling dismissed or misunderstood.

Biliary dyskinesia may be more common than often recognized, with some studies indicating a higher prevalence in women. The pain is often recurrent, may be associated with eating, and can last for hours. If you’ve been told “everything looks fine” but still struggle with symptoms, you’re not alone. I recommend reviewing this clinical guidance from the American College of Surgeons for a deeper dive into how this condition is recognized and treated.

As someone who has practiced in Houston for years, I can attest that many of my patients share the same frustration: they’ve tried antacids, changed their diets, and even seen multiple providers, only to be told that their test results are normal. I want you to know that chronic pain from biliary dyskinesia is real—your experience is valid, and we use advanced diagnostic tools to get the answers you deserve.

Symptoms and Diagnosis: The Role of HIDA Scan

When patients come to me with chronic abdominal pain and no gallstones, I often recommend a HIDA scan. This test measures how well the gallbladder empties after stimulation, helping us pinpoint biliary dyskinesia cases that might otherwise go undiagnosed. For many women like Maria, the uncertainty of repeated negative tests can be overwhelming, especially when family and work depend on their health.

In my practice, I’ve seen the relief that comes from finally having an answer. The HIDA scan is noninvasive and provides a clear ejection fraction—a percentage that tells us if the gallbladder is functioning abnormally. Most studies suggest that an abnormal result, paired with classic symptoms, is a strong indicator for considering further treatment. See this guideline from SAGES for more on how the HIDA scan works.

When I explain HIDA scan results to my patients—especially those who have been told for months that “nothing is wrong”—I often see a sense of relief. It’s not uncommon for someone to have a textbook case of biliary dyskinesia with normal labs and imaging, yet still suffer real, persistent pain. I always make it a priority to translate complex test results into clear next steps so that you feel confident in your diagnosis and path forward.

Why Choose Advanced Houston Surgical? | Dr. Chaudhry’s Expertise

Choosing the right surgeon matters, especially when you’re balancing your own health with caring for your family. At Advanced Houston Surgical, I bring fellowship training from the Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic, and I’m proud to serve as the only bariatric surgeon at CHI St. Luke’s Medical Center. My approach is always patient-first and judgment-free, which is why so many Houston-area patients—including those from the Bellaire area—trust me with their care.

I’ve seen firsthand how a compassionate, evidence-based approach can transform the experience for patients who have felt dismissed elsewhere. My goal is to provide clear answers, advanced surgical options, and long-term support. Visit the CHI St. Luke’s Health site for more about my background and the standards I uphold.

Having performed a high volume of gallbladder surgeries for patients across Houston, I recognize that each individual’s symptoms and concerns are unique. As a surgeon who has trained and taught at leading centers, I commit to a thorough evaluation and honest conversation about your options—never pressuring you into surgery, but making sure you understand the evidence, risks, and expected recovery.

Treatment Options: When Is Surgery Recommended?

If you’ve been diagnosed with biliary dyskinesia and continue to have symptoms despite lifestyle changes or medications, gallbladder removal surgery—called laparoscopic cholecystectomy—may be recommended. In my experience, most adults with classic symptoms and abnormal HIDA scan results see meaningful improvement after surgery. Studies suggest that over 90% of patients report symptom relief following this procedure, though individual results can vary, and ongoing research continues to refine our understanding.

I always discuss the risks and benefits with my patients, especially those like Maria who worry about time off work and family responsibilities. Laparoscopic surgery is minimally invasive, and most people return home the same day. I encourage you to review this systematic review on cholecystectomy outcomes for a summary of the latest evidence.

When reviewing the data with my patients, I emphasize that while no treatment is perfect, the vast majority of individuals experience significant symptom improvement after gallbladder removal. In my own practice, I’m often inspired by stories of patients who were once skeptical or anxious about surgery, but are now grateful for the relief and renewed quality of life.

My goal is to ensure that your decision is guided by both solid research and a realistic understanding of what to expect. To learn more about real patient outcomes, you can read verified testimonials from our practice.

Life After Surgery: Recovery & Outcomes

After gallbladder removal, many patients may resume normal activities within a week, though some might require additional time depending on individual circumstances. For working mothers like Maria, planning for childcare and a short recovery period is key. I provide detailed guidance to help you prepare, and my team is always available for support.

Research indicates that symptom improvement rates after surgery are high—over 90% in several studies—but it’s important to remember that every patient’s journey is unique. In my practice, I’ve seen many patients regain their energy and confidence, allowing them to focus on what matters most: their families. See this meta-analysis of surgical outcomes for more on what to expect after surgery.

I understand how nervous it can feel to face surgery, especially if you’ve been struggling with pain for a long time or worried about missing work. Many patients from the Houston and Sugar Land areas have told me that the support and clear expectations we provide—about recovery time, possible side effects, and long-term outcomes—make the process smoother and less stressful. My experience has shown me that when patients know what to expect, they recover with greater confidence and peace of mind.

Local Patient Experience: What to Expect as a Houston-Area Patient

At Advanced Houston Surgical, I strive to make every patient feel heard and supported from the first visit through recovery. Many of my patients come from neighborhoods like Bellaire and the Medical Center area, seeking answers after months—or even years—of unexplained pain. I understand the stress that comes with balancing health, work, and family, and I tailor each care plan to fit your unique needs.

Patients often describe our team as knowledgeable and attentive, and I take pride in providing direct, personalized care at every step. If you’re looking for a practice that combines world-class training with a local, patient-first approach, you’ll find it here. Visit the Texas Medical Center online for more about the Houston medical community.

Community Voices Online

As a board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeon serving Houston and surrounding communities, I believe that every person deserves patient-first, judgment-free care—whether they’re seeking answers for biliary dyskinesia or considering advanced procedures like gastric bypass or hiatal hernia repair.

My approach is rooted in the training I received at the Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic, but it’s the trust of our local community that matters most. Here’s what someone in Houston shared about their experience with our team:

Read the full review on Google

Conclusion

In summary, biliary dyskinesia is a real and often misunderstood cause of chronic abdominal pain, especially when standard tests show no gallstones. For many Houston-area patients, a HIDA scan can finally provide answers, and studies suggest that gallbladder removal surgery offers significant symptom relief for those with classic symptoms and abnormal scan results.

As a board-certified general surgeon with Mayo Clinic residency and Cleveland Clinic fellowship training, I am committed to patient-first, judgment-free care that fits your family’s needs. You don’t have to keep living with uncertainty—lasting relief and renewed confidence are possible. To take the first step toward feeling like yourself again, schedule your consultation with our team today.

This article is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment options. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.

Please note: Advanced Houston Surgical does not offer or recruit for clinical trials. References to research are citations of published medical studies only.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is biliary dyskinesia, and how does it cause pain?

Biliary dyskinesia is a type of gallbladder dysfunction where the gallbladder doesn’t squeeze properly, leading to pain even when no gallstones are present. I see many patients who experience steady right upper abdominal pain, often after eating, because their gallbladder isn’t emptying as it should. This pain is real and can disrupt daily life until the underlying issue is addressed.

Where can I get evaluated for biliary dyskinesia in Houston?

I welcome patients from across Greater Houston at Advanced Houston Surgical. My practice is easily accessible for those in the city and surrounding areas, and I provide comprehensive evaluation—including HIDA scans and personalized treatment plans—for those struggling with unexplained abdominal pain. You don’t have to travel far to receive expert, compassionate care close to home.

What if I’ve already tried medications and lifestyle changes but still have symptoms?

If you’ve made changes to your diet or tried medications without relief, you’re not alone. Many of my patients have been through similar journeys before finding answers. When symptoms persist and tests like the HIDA scan show abnormal gallbladder function, surgery may be considered. I’ll work with you to review all options and support you every step of the way.

Is gallbladder removal surgery safe, and what results can I expect?

Studies suggest that laparoscopic gallbladder removal is generally well-tolerated and can provide significant symptom improvement for most adults with biliary dyskinesia. While every surgery carries some risk, I use minimally invasive techniques to help you recover quickly. Most of my patients return to normal routines within a week and report meaningful relief from their pain.

Are there alternatives to surgery for biliary dyskinesia?

When gallbladder dysfunction is confirmed by a HIDA scan, medications or dietary adjustments may be less effective compared to surgical options. I always discuss all available options with you, so you can make an informed decision that fits your health goals and lifestyle.