Condition
Gallstones: What Is It?
In some individuals, tiny crystal-like structures called gallstones are formed in the gallbladder, which is situated below the liver. There are various reasons behind the formation of gallstones, like the presence of excess cholesterol or bilirubin in the bile juice present in the gallbladder. The gallbladder stores bile juice secreted by the liver. The role of bile juice is to digest the food and fats in the small intestine. Generally, the bile flows from the gallbladder into the small intestine through the bile duct and digests food. However, gallstones can block the bile duct and prevent bile flow into the colon. The bile stays inside the gallbladder. This causes severe pain, swelling and infection. It can also cause jaundice. Gallstones are treated with gallstone surgery.
Gallstones : Causes
Gallstone formation, known as cholelithiasis, is primarily caused by an imbalance in the constituents of bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver. This imbalance can lead to the crystallization of cholesterol or bilirubin, forming stones within the gallbladder. Common causes include a high intake of saturated fats and cholesterol-rich foods, obesity, rapid weight loss, hormonal influences (especially in women), and genetic predisposition. Additionally, underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, liver cirrhosis, and certain gastrointestinal disorders can contribute to the development of gallstones.
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Enhanced Quality of Care
End-to-End Management
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Lower Costs and easy financing support
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Symptoms of Gallstones
Gallstones take time to show physical symptoms in the body. But, when a gallstone blocks the bile duct, it can result in the following gallstone symptoms: - There is severe pain in the upper right side of the abdomen - Sudden pain below the breastbone at the centre of the abdomen - Pain between the shoulder blades - Your right shoulder hurts - Nausea or vomiting Also, remember that gallstone pain usually lasts several minutes to a few hours.
How to Diagnose Gallstones?
The diagnosis of gallstones is made with the help of specific tests and procedures. The two most common tests include: Abdominal ultrasound: Abdominal ultrasonography is the most routine test done to look for gallstones or gallbladder stones. A transducer is moved back and forth to probe the stomach area. The probe helps generate signals converted into images of the gallstones. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS): An endoscope, a little flexible tube, is inserted into the digestive system through the mouth. Sound waves are generated by a transducer that is within the tube. These sound waves are converted into images. Other tests: Gallstones or gallbladder stones are also detected using other imaging tests such as Magnetic Resonance Cholangio Pancreatography (MRCP), Oral Cholecystography, Computerized Tomography (CT) and Hepatobiliary Iminodiacetic Acid (HIDA) scan. Gallstones detected using Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio Pancreatography (ERCP) can also be removed during the assessment. Blood tests: They are used to check for infections, pancreatitis, jaundice, and other consequences of gallstones.
What Is the Treatment for Gallstones?
Gallbladder Removal (Cholecystectomy): If gallstones persistently recur, your healthcare provider might advise cholecystectomy, a surgical procedure to remove the gallbladder. It's important to note that living without a gallbladder is feasible as it doesn't impact overall survival. Instead of storing bile, the liver releases it directly into the small intestine. Medications for Gallstone Dissolution: Specific medications are available to facilitate the dissolution of gallstones. However, this process may extend over months or even years. It's important to be aware that gallstones could reappear once the treatment is discontinued.
When Will The Doctor Suggest Surgery?
When the gallbladder is severely affected, swollen and infected, the doctor will advise having gallstones surgically removed. Laparoscopic or laparoscopic cholecystectomy, open surgery, or open cholecystectomy are two popular gallstone surgery procedures.
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Frequently Asked Questions
In Hyderabad, the cost of open or laparoscopic surgery for gallstones may range from Rs. 75,000 to Rs. 1,50,000.
MediBuddy in Hyderabad offers both open surgery and laparoscopic surgery options. In accordance with the grade or severity of the gallstones, your doctor will recommend the best surgical approach.
Gallstones surgery is performed by gastroenterologists and general surgeons who specialise in gastrointestinal surgery.
Shock wave treatment or oral drugs can be used to treat specific types of gallstones. However, the gall bladder must be surgically removed to address serious problems.
You can; MediBuddy easily provides free consultations with specialised physicians in Hyderabad.
MediBuddy has a phenomenal 100% success rate on treatments for gallstones.
The patient often spends one to three days in the hospital following a gallstone surgery. About one week is needed for complete healing.
