Gallbladder Stones

What statistics say? Women are at an increased risk of developing gallstones. Gallstones are small, hard, pebble-like pieces in the gallbladder usually made of Cholesterol, Bilirubin, or Minerals Causes Imbalance in the composition of bile.

Symptoms –  Pain in the upper right abdomen, Nausea and vomiting, Fever, Indigestion, and bloating.

Who is at risk? A person is at greater risk due to Obesity, Diabetes, Pregnancy, Birth control, or hormonal pills.

Complications of gallstones – Unremoved gallstones may cause Jaundice, Inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis), Inflammation of bile ducts (cholangitis), Pancreatitis, Gallbladder cancer.

Diagnosing gallstones – Gallstones can be diagnosed by Ultrasound, MRI Cholangiography with ERCP, CT scan, Blood tests.

Treating Gallstones – Medications Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL), Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, (ERCP) Surgery, Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, Open cholecystectomy, Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL).

Shockwaves are targeted towards the stones to break them. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) To remove stones from the bile duct using an endoscope. A stent is placed to facilitate the flow of bile and stones into the intestine. Open cholecystectomy An incision is made to remove gallbladder Laparoscopic cholecystectomy Keyhole surgery to remove gallbladder Time-to-Recovery after stone removal Fast recovery for laparoscopy Slow recovery for open surgery. Living without gallbladder Gallbladder isn’t essential for healthy digestion. Tell the doctor if there are any changes in bowel habits after surgery. Preventing gallstones Exercise regularly Eat healthy Maintain healthy body weight.