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The CDC recently released a report showing obesity is on the rise in the United States;
one consequence of these growing rates is an increasing number of children with gallstones.
Fortunately, new research suggests surgeries to address this issue are safe. I'm Miranda
Savioli with your latest health news.
Symptoms of gallstones include cramps, fever, and yellow skin. One treatment option is to
remove the gallbladder, a small organ that stores digestive aid. Researchers found the
surgery was safe for children with low complication rates. The complications they did encounter
were infections and retained gallstones.
Lead author of the study, Dr. Michael B. Ishitani, expands on the findings.
"We've shown that the procedure is safe in children, that the surgical risks or complications,
even though children are smaller, that the surgical risks or complication rates are the
same as in adults. And that the medium and long-term results are very equivalent"
Make sure to drink enough water to help prevent gallstones