Condition
Gallstones: What Is It?
Gallstones are tiny crystal-like structures formed in the gallbladder, found just below the liver. The gallbladder is the storage space for bile juice, a digestion-aiding liquid secreted by the liver. Many factors lead to gallstones. These include excess cholesterol or bilirubin in the bile juice secreted in the gallbladder. When these gallstones block the flow of bile juice, it results in extreme pain. Gallstones are treated with gallstone surgery.
Gallstones : Causes
There are various reasons behind the formation of gallstones in the gallbladder. These include excess cholesterol or bilirubin in the bile juice stored in the gallbladder. Sometimes, the gallbladder may not empty the bile properly. The bile gets concentrated and results in the formation of gallstones.
Who is at Risk?
Risks
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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 gallstones are diagnosed with the help of specific tests and procedures. Gallstone specialists use two tests commonly, which are: Abdominal ultrasound: In abdominal ultrasound, a transducer scans the stomach area. The transducer is probed back and forth to create signals. These signals are transformed into gallstone pictures by the computer. It is the most frequently used imaging test to diagnose gallstones. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS): A small, flexible tube called an endoscope is passed into the digestive tract through the mouth. A transducer present in the tube produces sound waves. These are converted into images. Gallstones are also detected using imaging tests such as an - Oral Cholecystography - Magnetic Resonance Cholangio Pancreatography (MRCP) - Computerized Tomography (CT) - Hepatobiliary Iminodiacetic Acid (HIDA) scan - Gallstones detected using Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio Pancreatography (ERCP) can also be removed during the assessment. Blood tests: A few blood tests can also be done to detect the complications of gallstones, including infection, gallstone pancreatitis, jaundice, etc.
What Is the Treatment for Gallstones?
The management of gallstones depends on their size, symptoms, and potential complications. Treatment options include: Watchful Waiting: If gallstones are small and asymptomatic, a "wait and see" approach might be recommended, focusing on managing risk factors through lifestyle changes. Medications: Certain medications can be prescribed to dissolve cholesterol gallstones over time. However, this process can be slow and may not be effective for everyone. Surgery - Cholecystectomy: The most common treatment for symptomatic gallstones is surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy). This can be done through traditional open surgery or minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery. Endoscopic Procedures: In some cases, endoscopic techniques such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) can be used to remove stones from the bile ducts. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): This non-invasive procedure uses shock waves to break gallstones into smaller fragments that can be passed naturally or treated with other methods.
When Will The Doctor Suggest Surgery?
The doctor will recommend gallstone or gallbladder surgery when the gallbladder is severely swollen or infected. Two types of surgeries are commonly performed. These are laparoscopic surgery (laparoscopic cholecystectomy) and open surgery (open cholecystectomy).
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Frequently Asked Questions
Open surgery and Laparoscopic surgery for gallstones might cost anywhere between Rs.75,000 and Rs.1,50,000 in Lucknow.
Open surgery and Laparoscopic surgery methods are available at MediBuddy in Lucknow. Your doctor will suggest the best surgical method according to the severity/grade of the gallstones
gallstones surgery is performed by gastroenterologists and general surgeons who specialize in gastrointestinal surgery.
Some gallstones can be treated by oral medications or shock wave therapy. However, surgically removing the gallbladder can only treat severe conditions.
Of course, you can. MediBuddy offers free consultations with specialist doctors in Lucknow.
MediBuddy has a phenomenal 100% success rate on treatments for gallstones
The hospital stay for gallstone surgery ranges from one day to three days. Full recovery takes about one week.
