January 13, 2024

1400H - 1500H
Via Zoom

Empowerment
objective - for laypeople
specially the seafarers
ASYMPTOMATIC to have an essential
GALLBLADDER understanding on the
POLYPS AMONG management of
SEAFARERS – TO ASYMPTOMATIC
OPERATE OR NOT GALLBLADDER POLYPS
among SEAFARERS as
part of their health
management.
 January 13, 2024
1400H - 1500H
Via Zoom
Welcome all!

Empowerment MUTE yourself but always

objective - for laypeople show your video picture.
specially the seafarers Sign in your name, FB
ASYMPTOMATIC to have an essential account, or email address in
GALLBLADDER understanding on the the Chat Box! Include names
of companions attending.
POLYPS AMONG management of
SEAFARERS – TO ASYMPTOMATIC Use the Chat Box to ask
OPERATE OR NOT GALLBLADDER POLYPS questions and make
comments while the PEP TALK
among SEAFARERS as is on.
part of their health
management. There will be group pictures
at start and end of PEP TALK –
show your face in video.
Reminder after the PEP
Talk:

Take the Online Learning

cum Evaluation Test
Exercise (OLETE) for
mastery of learning and
have a perfect score to get
a Certificate.

Link is in Chat Box.

Reminder:
50 OLETE Certificates = 1
Voucher for ROJoson
Medical Consultation
either Face-to-Face or
Telemedical.
 ROJOSON’S REQUEST:
Empowerment
objective - for laypeople
FEEDBACK TO THIS
specially the seafarers
PEP TALK!
ASYMPTOMATIC to have an essential
GALLBLADDER understanding on the
Pls. type in your
POLYPS AMONG management of
feedback in the chat
SEAFARERS – TO ASYMPTOMATIC
box during the open
OPERATE OR NOT GALLBLADDER POLYPS
forum and before we
among SEAFARERS as
adjourn!
part of their health
management.
Thank you!
 LET’S NOW HAVE A
Empowerment GROUP PICTURE
objective - for laypeople TAKING BEFORE WE
specially the seafarers START PEP TALK
ASYMPTOMATIC to have an essential PROPER IN 2
GALLBLADDER understanding on the MINUTES!
POLYPS AMONG management of
SEAFARERS – TO ASYMPTOMATIC Pls. turn on your
OPERATE OR NOT GALLBLADDER POLYPS video!
among SEAFARERS as Show your face!
part of their health
management.
 Empowerment
ROJoson PEP Talk
objective - for laypeople
specially the seafarers
I have a Patient
ASYMPTOMATIC to have an essential
Empowerment
GALLBLADDER understanding on the
Program in which I
POLYPS AMONG management of
like to empower the
SEAFARERS – TO ASYMPTOMATIC
lay people or
OPERATE OR NOT GALLBLADDER POLYPS
patients to take
among SEAFARERS as
control in the
part of their health
management of
management.
their health.
I started the PEP Talk
on May 15, 2021
during the COVID19
Pandemic. There are
3 courses in the PEP
Talk. I completed the
Core Course on
October 9, 2021.
 From October 23,
2021 onwards, I have
been tackling Health
Disorder and Health
Issue Courses. This
may take 3 years or
longer depending on
our enthusiasm,
discipline and
perseverance.
 My PEP TALK today is
entitled:
Empowerment
objective - for laypeople ASYMPTOMATIC
specially the seafarers GALLBLADDER
ASYMPTOMATIC to have an essential POLYPS AMONG
GALLBLADDER understanding on the SEAFARERS – TO
POLYPS AMONG management of OPERATE OR NOT
SEAFARERS – TO ASYMPTOMATIC
OPERATE OR NOT GALLBLADDER POLYPS
among SEAFARERS as
part of their health
management.
ASYMPTOMATIC Contents Disclaimer:
• What is the gallbladder?
GALLBLADDER • What are the usual gallbladder disorders or diseases?
POLYPS AMONG ROJoson PEP Talk
• What is / are gallbladder polyps? How do gallbladder
SEAFARERS – TO polyps differ from gallbladder stones?
contains ROJoson’s
OPERATE OR NOT • What are asymptomatic and symptomatic gallbladder Thoughts,
polyps? Perceptions,
• How to manage / treat asymptomatic gallbladder Opinions and
polyps? Recommendations
• Why is asymptomatic gallbladder polyp / polyps
important in seafarer’s health and occupation?
(TPORs) culled from
• What are the common challenges on asymptomatic experiences of
gallbladder polyps faced by prospective seafarers? ROJoson and other
• What are the services that ROJoson can offer for professionals.
seafarers with asymptomatic gallbladder polyps?
ASYMPTOMATIC What is the gallbladder?
GALLBLADDER
POLYPS AMONG The Tagalog term, as far as I
SEAFARERS – TO know, is “abdo.”
OPERATE OR NOT
Where is the gallbladder
located?

The gallbladder is a small, pear-

shaped organ on the right side of
the abdomen, just beneath the
liver.
ASYMPTOMATIC What is the gallbladder?
GALLBLADDER
The gallbladder holds a digestive fluid called BILE that comes from the
POLYPS AMONG
liver and is released into the small intestine to aid in digestion, especially
SEAFARERS – TO
fats.
OPERATE OR NOT
ASYMPTOMATIC What are the usual gallbladder disorders or
GALLBLADDER diseases?
- Cholecystitis (infection of the gallbladder)
POLYPS AMONG
- Gallbladder polyps
SEAFARERS – TO
- Gallbladder stones
OPERATE OR NOT
- Gallbladder cancer
ASYMPTOMATIC What are the usual gallbladder disorders or
GALLBLADDER diseases?
- Cholecystitis (inflammation /infection of the
POLYPS AMONG
SEAFARERS – TO gallbladder) – with or without stones
OPERATE OR NOT
ASYMPTOMATIC What are the usual gallbladder disorders or
GALLBLADDER diseases?
- Gallbladder polyps
POLYPS AMONG
SEAFARERS – TO
OPERATE OR NOT
ASYMPTOMATIC What are the usual gallbladder disorders or
GALLBLADDER diseases?
- Gallbladder polyps
POLYPS AMONG
SEAFARERS – TO
OPERATE OR NOT
ASYMPTOMATIC What are the usual gallbladder disorders or
GALLBLADDER diseases?
- Gallbladder stones
POLYPS AMONG
SEAFARERS – TO
OPERATE OR NOT
ASYMPTOMATIC What are the usual gallbladder disorders or
GALLBLADDER diseases?
- Gallbladder cancer
POLYPS AMONG
SEAFARERS – TO
OPERATE OR NOT
 What is / are gallbladder polyps?
ASYMPTOMATIC
GALLBLADDER
An elevation or outgrowth of the gallbladder
POLYPS AMONG
mucosa or wall that protrudes into the
SEAFARERS – TO
gallbladder lumen.
OPERATE OR NOT
 What is / are gallbladder polyps?
ASYMPTOMATIC
GALLBLADDER
The exact cause is not known. Some may be due
POLYPS AMONG
to inflammatory reaction. Some may be due to
SEAFARERS – TO
high cholesterol.
OPERATE OR NOT
 How does gallbladder polyps differ from gallbladder
ASYMPTOMATIC stones?
GALLBLADDER
POLYPS AMONG
SEAFARERS – TO
OPERATE OR NOT
 How does gallbladder polyps differ from gallbladder
ASYMPTOMATIC stones?
GALLBLADDER
POLYPS AMONG
SEAFARERS – TO
OPERATE OR NOT
ASYMPTOMATIC What are asymptomatic and symptomatic Asymptomatic
GALLBLADDER gallbladder polyps? gallbladder polyps
POLYPS AMONG are usually
SEAFARERS – TO Asymptomatic gallbladder polyps – those without discovered
OPERATE OR NOT symptoms – no abdominal pain incidentally or
accidentally through
Symptomatic gallbladder polyps – those with ultrasound of the
symptoms especially abdominal pain abdomen.
 How to manage / treat asymptomatic gallbladder polyps?
ASYMPTOMATIC
GALLBLADDER Asymptomatic gallbladder polyps less than 1 cm in size is
POLYPS AMONG usually managed with a wait and see or watchful waiting
SEAFARERS – TO approach (meaning no operation; just monitoring with
OPERATE OR NOT ultrasound at planned intervals; no medications;
improvement of lifestyle into a healthy one – healthy diet
and exercise).

Operation is indicated if the polyps is 1 cm in size or bigger

even if asymptomatic. [because of the risk for gallbladder
cancer.]

NOTE: Operation is indicated if the polyps is less than 1 cm

and patient is symptomatic.
ASYMPTOMATIC What are the recent guidelines in ultrasound monitoring of gallbladder
GALLBLADDER polyps?
POLYPS AMONG
In the low risk category, no follow-up is recommended for polyps of 6
SEAFARERS – TO
mm or smaller;
OPERATE OR NOT
follow-up US at 12 months is recommended for polyps measuring 7–9
mm;
follow-up US at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months is recommended for polyps
measuring 10–14 mm; and
surgical consultation is recommended for polyps of 15 mm or larger.

Management of Incidentally Detected Gallbladder Polyps: Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound

Consensus Conference Recommendations
https://doi.org/10.1148/radiol.213079
 Why is asymptomatic gallbladder polyp / polyps important in seafarer’s health and
ASYMPTOMATIC occupation?
GALLBLADDER
POLYPS AMONG Nowadays, part of the routine medical examination for the seafarers includes ultrasound
SEAFARERS – TO of the abdomen.
OPERATE OR NOT
Ultrasound can easily detect gallbladder polyps even if a seafarer is asymptomatic and
gallbladder polyps is commonly detected on ultrasound even if a seafarer is
asymptomatic.

With the detection of gallbladder polyps on ultrasound of the abdomen, a decision has
to be made by the manning agencies – to operate or not to operate. Most of the times,
physicians of the manning agencies would recommend surgical removal even though
watchful waiting can be done.

- A BIG CHALLENGE FOR THE SEAFARERS WITH ASYMPTOMATIC GALLBLADDER POLYPS.

 What are the common challenges on
ASYMPTOMATIC asymptomatic gallbladder polyps faced by
GALLBLADDER prospective seafarers?
POLYPS AMONG
SEAFARERS – TO The biggest challenge is whether to undergo
OPERATE OR NOT operation for removal of the gallbladder
polyps as required by the physicians of the
manning agencies, knowing that
asymptomatic gallbladder polyps less than 1
cm can be treated just by watchful waiting
(observation).
If the physicians of the manning agencies
would respect a recommendation from a
surgeon that there is NO need for operation,
then NO problem.
Options in case operation is required
by the physicians of the manning
agencies:
- Proceed with operation so that one
can be deployed as soon as
possible.
- Look for another manning agency
where their physicians do not
require operation as long as there is
a recommendation (medical
clearance) by a surgeon on no need
for operation.
- Look for another non-seafarer job.
ASYMPTOMATIC What are the services that ROJoson can offer for seafarers with
GALLBLADDER asymptomatic gallbladder polyps?
POLYPS AMONG -
Patient Empowerment Talk – to enlighten laypeople particularly the
SEAFARERS – TO
seafarers on gallbladder polyps, especially on the options of
OPERATE OR NOT
management
- Give a medical clearance for deployment in asymptomatic gallbladder
polyps less than 1 cm (with the caveat that the final decision rests on
the physicians of the manning agencies)
- Do the operation (but only open cholecystectomy) at a compassionate
fee.
- Assist seafarers in looking for a hospital which can offer operations at a
low cost.
ASYMPTOMATIC Contents Summary
• What is the gallbladder?
GALLBLADDER • What are the usual gallbladder disorders or diseases? Take Away
POLYPS AMONG • What is / are gallbladder polyps? How do gallbladder
SEAFARERS – TO polyps differ from gallbladder stones?
OPERATE OR NOT • What are asymptomatic and symptomatic gallbladder
polyps?
• How to manage / treat asymptomatic gallbladder
polyps?
• Why is asymptomatic gallbladder polyp / polyps
important in seafarer’s health and occupation?
• What are the common challenges on asymptomatic
gallbladder polyps faced by prospective seafarers?
• What are the services that ROJoson can offer for
seafarers with asymptomatic gallbladder polyps?
 Be always in touch with reliable medical
ASYMPTOMATIC Take Away in
GALLBLADDER information on ASYMPTOMATIC GALLBLADDER
POLYPS AMONG SEAFARERS. relation to
POLYPS AMONG
Patient
SEAFARERS – TO
OPERATE OR NOT Knowledge is power; it gives power. Empowerment
Use the 4Ks of Patient Empowerment:
Kaalaman, Kakayanan, Karapatan and
Kapangyarihan to gain greater control over
decisions / make better decisions on
management of ASYMPTOMATIC
GALLBLADDER POLYPS among SEAFARERS
as part of your health management.
 Empowerment
objective - for laypeople
specially the seafarers
ASYMPTOMATIC to have an essential
GALLBLADDER understanding on the
POLYPS AMONG management of
SEAFARERS – TO ASYMPTOMATIC
OPERATE OR NOT GALLBLADDER POLYPS
among SEAFARERS as
part of their health
management.
Reminder after the PEP
Talk:

Take the Online Learning

cum Evaluation Test
Exercise (OLETE) for
mastery of learning and
have a perfect score to get
a Certificate.

Link is in Chat Box.

Reminder:
50 OLETE Certificates = 1
Voucher for ROJoson
Medical Consultation
either Face-to-Face or
Telemedical.
 ROJOSON’S REQUEST:
Empowerment
objective - for laypeople
FEEDBACK TO THIS
specially the seafarers
PEP TALK!
ASYMPTOMATIC to have an essential
GALLBLADDER understanding on the
Pls. type in your
POLYPS AMONG management of
feedback in the chat
SEAFARERS – TO ASYMPTOMATIC
box during the open
OPERATE OR NOT GALLBLADDER POLYPS
forum and before we
among SEAFARERS as
adjourn!
part of their health
management.
Thank you!
 LET’S NOW HAVE A
Empowerment GROUP PICTURE
objective - for laypeople TAKING BEFORE WE
specially the seafarers START Q&A AND
ASYMPTOMATIC to have an essential INTERACTIONS!
GALLBLADDER understanding on the
POLYPS AMONG management of Pls. turn on your
SEAFARERS – TO ASYMPTOMATIC video!
OPERATE OR NOT GALLBLADDER POLYPS Show your face!
among SEAFARERS as
part of their health
management.