ColomboSurgeon

Gall stones

What are Gallstones?

Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid (bile) that can form in your gallbladder—a small, pear-shaped organ located under your liver.

 

The gallbladder stores bile, which helps digest fats. Gallstones can vary in size and may cause no symptoms or lead to discomfort and complications.

 

What are the types of Gallstones?

  • Cholesterol Gallstones: Made mostly of cholesterol, these are the most common type.
  • Pigment Gallstones: Made of bilirubin, these are more common in people with liver diseases or blood disorders.

Symptoms of gall stones

Gallstones may not always cause symptoms. If they do, common signs include:

  • Sudden and intense pain in the upper right abdomen or center of your abdomen.
  • Pain in your back or right shoulder.
  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • Indigestion, especially after eating fatty meals.
  • This pain, called a gallbladder attack or biliary colic, usually lasts a few hours.

 

Causes and Risk Factors of gall stones

Gallstones form when substances in bile, like cholesterol or bilirubin, become imbalanced. Risk factors include:

  • Age: More common in people over 40.
  • Gender: Women are more likely to develop gallstones.
  • Obesity or rapid weight loss.
  • Pregnancy or hormone therapy.
  • Family History of gallstones.
  • Diet: High in fat and cholesterol, low in fiber.
  • Medical Conditions: Diabetes, liver disease, or certain infections.

How are gall stones identified?

Your doctor may use these tests to diagnose gallstones:

  • Ultrasound: A common imaging test to detect gallstones.
  • CT Scan: Provides detailed images of your gallbladder.
  • Blood Tests: Check for infections, inflammation, or blocked bile ducts.

 

Treatment for gall stones

  • Watchful Waiting: If you have no symptoms, treatment may not be necessary.:
  • Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A minimally invasive surgery to remove the gallbladder.
  • Open Cholecystectomy: Used in complex cases.

 

What are the complications of Untreated Gallstones?

If untreated, gallstones can cause:

  • Gallbladder Inflammation (Cholecystitis): Leading to severe pain and fever.
  • Bile Duct Blockage: Causing jaundice or infections.
  • Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas.

 

Preventing gall stones

While you can't always prevent gastritis, you can reduce your risk by:

  • Maintain a Healthy Weight: Avoid rapid weight loss.
  • Eat a Balanced Diet: Low-fat, high-fiber meals can reduce the risk of gallstones.
  • Exercise Regularly: Physical activity supports overall health and digestion.
  • Limit Cholesterol-Rich Foods: Choose healthier fats like those found in nuts and fish.

 

When to See a Doctor

Seek medical attention if you experience:

  • Severe abdominal pain that doesn’t go away.
  • Yellowing of your skin or eyes (jaundice).
  • High fever with chills.