Gallstones are solid deposits of crystallized bile, which is secreted by the liver, stored in the gallbladder, and discharged into the intestine via the bile ducts to aid in fat digestion. Gallstones can cause no symptoms at all. They can, however, produce a blockage in the bile duct or gallbladder, resulting in discomfort and inflammation known as cholecystitis.
Let us understand this condition in further detail.
What is Gallbladder?
The gallbladder is a tiny sac-like organ in the upper right region of the abdomen with a pear-shaped structure. It’s located below the front rib cage on the right side, under the liver. The biliary system also includes the liver and pancreas, as well as the gallbladder. It transports bile and digesting enzymes, among other things.
What are the types of Gallstones?
Gallstones are of two types:
Cholesterol stones – are made up of fatty molecules present in the blood and are found throughout the body. Gallstones of this type are the most common.
Pigment Stones – (mostly bilirubin-based): When red blood cells break down in the liver, this chemical is formed. When there is too much bilirubin in the body, it can seep into the bloodstream, causing the skin and eyes to become yellow (jaundice).
Symptoms of Gallstones
- Pain between your shoulder blades or below the ribs
- Pain in your abdomen
- Nausea or vomiting
- Restlessness
- Chest pain
- Jaundice
- Fever or chills
Causes
Gallstones can form for a variety of causes, including:
- Too much cholesterol in your bile
- Too much bilirubin in your bile
- Not enough bile salts present
- Gallbladder does not empty completely or often enough
Diagnosis
Gallstones are often discovered accidentally by a medical expert while treating a patient for another disease. Other tests may include:
- Lab tests
- Imaging tests – Ultrasound, CT, MRI, etc.
- Cholangiography
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
- Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography(MRCP)
Treatment Options
Gallstones are usually treated by surgical removal of the gallbladder. Cholesterol stones can occasionally be treated without surgery, whereas pigment stones almost always require surgery. The best doctor for Gallstones treatment in ECIL is at suvidha hospitals and they may suggest different treatment options depending on your symptoms.
Surgical treatments
Cholecystectomy, or gallbladder removal surgery, is one of the most common surgeries done.
Cholecystectomy is performed in two ways by surgeons:
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy – Almost all surgeons use laparoscopy to conduct cholecystectomies. These procedures are outpatient procedures, which means you may be able to go home the same day. In approximately a week, you should be ready to resume normal physical activities.
Open cholecystectomy – If your gallbladder is extremely inflamed, diseased, or damaged from previous procedures, a surgeon will do an open cholecystectomy. If complications arise during a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, your doctor may do a cholecystectomy. You may have to stay in the hospital for up to a week after the procedure. After roughly a month, you should be ready to resume normal physical activity.
Non-surgical options
To remove or break up cholesterol gallstones, a doctor may use the following non-surgical treatments:
- Oral dissolution therapy
- Shock wave lithotripsy
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
Preventing Gallstones
- Consume high fiber diet
- Exercise regularly
- Avoid Fad diets
- Limit fatty food
- Add whole grains to your diet
- Lose weight if you are overweight
Why Suvidha Hospitals?
Suvidha Hospitals have seasoned and best Laparoscopic surgeons in ECIL who have carried out many successful cholecystectomies. If you are experiencing constant pain in your abdomen which is associated with fever, nausea or vomiting, reach out to us at http://suvidhahospitals.com/book-an-appointment/ to get timely treatment.
