Overview
In gallstone disease, hardened deposits of digestive fluids are formed in the gallbladder, which is a pear shaped, small organ on the right side of the abdomen.
A patient can develop just one or sometimes more than one gallstone at the same time. They range in sizes from as small as a grain of sand to as big as a golf ball. Patients experiencing Gallstone Disease symptoms normally require a gallbladder removal surgery.
Symptoms
Gallstone Disease may not cause any signs or symptoms but if a gallstone lodges in a duct and causes a blockage, the patient may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
Nausea
Vomiting
Dark Urine
Burping
Diarrhea
Indigestion
Upper Abdomen Pain
Centre Abdomen Pain
Causes
It is not yet known completely what causes the gallstones to form but the most commonly known causes are:
- Bile containing too much cholesterol
- Bile containing too much bilirubin
- Gallbladder failing to empty correctly
Diagnosis
Other than regular physical examination, a doctor may require to perform some tests to determine the best way of treatment. The tests may include:
Abdominal CT Scan
Ultrasound
Radionuclide Scan (GRS)
Blood Tests
ERCP
When to See a Doctor
Make an appointment right away if any worrisome symptoms appear such as:
- Sudden/Rapid Abdominal Pain
- High Fevers with Chills
- Yellow Skin and Eyes (Jaundice)
Treatment
The most common procedure used to treat Gallstone Disease is a Laparoscopic Surgery. Usually 3-4 incisions are made in the abdomen from where a Laparoscopic Surgeon inserts a small, lighted device and carefully removes the gallbladder.
Risks, Complications & Preventions
A Gallstone Surgery is quite common. The patient is usually discharged on the same day or a day later, if there is not any major complication. Gallstones can be prevented by taking the following healthy measures:
- Maintaining a Healthy Weight
- Regular Exercise
- Intake of Anti-Inflammatory Foods and Drinks
Book an Appointment
Dr. Faisal Murad
Chief of Surgery & Laparoscopic Surgery
M.B.B.S., MCPS, FCPS (Surgery), Fellowship Telemedicine
Dr. Mustafa Javed
Orthopedic Surgery
BSc, MBBS, MRCS (Edinburgh, UK), FRCS, Trauma & Orthopedics (Edinburgh, UK), CCT (Yorkshire, UK)