Gallstones are dense particles that develop in the gallbladder, a small organ under the liver. If you have them, your doctor will diagnose you with cholelithiasis.
To aid digestion, your gallbladder stores and releases bile, a fluid produced by your liver. Bile also transports wastes such as cholesterol and bilirubin, which the body produces when red blood cells are broken down. Gallstones may develop as a result of these factors. You can not realise you have them until they block a bile duct, causing discomfort that requires immediate care.
Gallstones may not be accompanied by any symptoms. When a gallstone becomes lodged in a duct and causes a blockage,
The following signs and symptoms may occur:
Pain in the upper right quadrant of your abdomen that is sudden and rapidly intensifying Pain in the centre of your abdomen, just below your breastbone, that is sudden and rapidly intensifying Back ache between the shoulder blades Your right shoulder is hurting.
Vomiting or nausea Gallstone pain can last anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours.
Gall bladder stones are caused by:
Your bile contains an excessive amount of cholesterol. Bile is required by your body for digestion. Normally, it dissolves cholesterol. However, if it is unable to do so, the extra cholesterol may form stones.
Your bile contains an excessive amount of bilirubin. Cirrhosis, infections, and blood disorders can all cause your liver to produce an excessive amount of bilirubin.
Your gallbladder does not empty completely. This can cause your bile to become extremely concentrated.
Gallstones caused by cholesterol. The most common type of gallstone, known as a cholesterol gallstone, is frequently yellow in colour. These gallstones are primarily made up of undissolved cholesterol, but they may also contain other substances.
Gallstones containing pigment. When your bile contains an excessive amount of bilirubin, these dark brown or black stones form
Your doctor will perform a physical examination, which will include checking your eyes and skin for visible colour changes. A yellowish tint could be a sign of jaundice, which is caused by an excess of bilirubin in your body.
Diagnostic tests that allow your doctor to see inside your body may be used during the exam. Among these tests are:
Ultrasound:An ultrasound generates images of your abdomen. It is the preferred imaging method for confirming gallstone disease. It may also reveal abnormalities related to acute cholecystitis.
Abdominal CT scan: This imaging test captures images of your liver and abdomen.
Gallbladder radionuclide scan: This crucial test takes about an hour to complete. A radioactive substance is injected into your veins by a specialist. The substance enters your bloodstream and travels to your liver and gallbladder. A scan may reveal evidence of infection or bile duct blockage caused by stones.
Blood tests: Your doctor may order blood tests to determine how much bilirubin is in your blood. The tests can also tell you how well your liver is working.
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): ERCP is a procedure that examines problems in the bile and pancreatic ducts using a camera and X-rays. It aids your doctor’s search for gallstones lodged in your bile duct.
Treatment and procedure for gallstones can vary depending on several factors, including the size and number of stones, the degree of symptoms, and the patient’s general health. Solid deposits that form in the gallbladder are called Gallstones. The size of these stones can range from small to large. Symptoms of gallstones can be controlled with medication, but it’s not effective enough for dissolving existing gallstones. This treatment option is typically reserved for patients whose health is not suitable for surgery.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the surgical treatment used most frequently to treat gallstones. During the surgery, the surgeon will remove the gallbladder, along with any gallstones present. Once the procedure is complete, patients will be observed by our surgeon until the effects of anaesthesia wear off.
Gallstones can pass through your body without your knowledge. If you are in pain, your doctor will most likely advise you to have surgery.
If you are at high risk of surgery complications, a drainage tube may be inserted through the skin into the gallbladder. Your surgery may be delayed until your risk has been reduced by treating your other medical conditions.
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