Gallstones or gallbladder stones, also known as cholelithiasis, are solid, stone-like objects that form in the gallbladder or bile duct as a result of a medical disease. These gallbladder stones, which are typically composed of cholesterol or bilirubin, can cause an abrupt, excruciating discomfort in the belly. Some people may experience the development of a single, massive gallstone, while others may experience the development of multiple, smaller gallstones.
What Are Gallstones and the Gallbladder?
The gallbladder is a storage area for bile, which is a digesting fluid.It is concealed in the right upper region of the belly, underneath the liver. To help with digestion, the gallbladder forces bile juice into the gut via the bile duct when you eat fatty foods.
Gallstones, also known as gallbladder stones, are small, pebble-like stones that can form in the gallbladder as a result of any changes in the bile juice. Gallstones can range in size from a pebble to a golf ball. Additionally, there could be a single huge stone, numerous smaller stones, or a mix of both.
What Are the Causes of Gallstones?
Bile can solidify into stones in the gallbladder, resulting in gallstones.
- When bile contains excessive amounts of bilirubin or cholesterol, stones might develop.
- The development of stones may be aided by additional bile constituents.
- People with liver disease or blood disorders who have high levels of bilirubin are most likely to develop pigment stones.
- The gallbladder may not drain entirely if the muscles are not in good condition. Gallstone development may be aided by the presence of leftover bile.
What Are the Symptoms of Gallstone?
Most gallstone sufferers are symptomless. In fact, until symptoms appear, individuals are frequently unaware that they have gallstones. Typically, these “silent gallstones” don't need to be treated.
In most cases, gallstone symptoms appear as complications progress, like:
- The right upper abdomen's right side ache is the most typical symptom.
- Attacks or pain could come around every few days, weeks, or months; they might even happen years apart.
- Usually, the pain begins within 30 minutes of a fatty or oily meal.
- The discomfort can persist for one to five hours and is typically intense, dull, and consistent.
- The back or right shoulder may also be affected.
- It frequently happens at night and could cause someone to be awake.
Visit a surgical gastroenterologist or a gastro surgeon right away without holding off if you have any of the gallbladder stone symptoms listed below.
- Severe abdominal ache that lasts for longer than 5 hours
- Nausea and diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Presence of chills or a fever
- Jaundice, yellowish staining of the skin or whites of the eyes
- Discoloured feces and urine
How are Gallstones Diagnosed?
The doctor may recommend tests like an ultrasound examination, a computed tomography (CT) scan, or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan based on your symptoms and the results of your physical examination (MRI). Blood testing and specialised diagnostics are sometimes also necessary.
Also Read: What Is Fatty Liver – How and Why Does One Get Diagnosed With Fatty Liver
How Are Gallstones Treated?
Both surgical and non-surgical methods can be used for gallstone treatment.
- Surgical removal of the gallbladder may be advised by the gastroenterologist in cases of symptomatic gallstones.
- Cholecystectomy surgery can be performed using either the most recent and “gold-standard” laparoscopic technique or the conventional open technique.
There are two non-invasive, non-surgical methods for removing cholesterol gallstones:
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: With the use of a tiny video camera, the gallbladder is removed during a laparoscopic cholecystectomy through a small incision in the belly. Recovery happens more quickly.
Open cholecystectomy: When laparoscopic cholecystectomy is not an option, an open cholecystectomy is carried out. Open surgery has a longer recuperation period in the hospital, lasting around a week.
Early detection of gallbladder stones improves surgical outcomes and reduces the risk of complications. Therefore, it is always preferable to seek prompt expert assistance to stop the growth of the gallstones if you are concerned about symptoms or are experiencing any warning signs of gallbladder stones.
Agilus Diagnostics, a subsidiary of Fortis Healthcare Limited
