What are gallstones and how do they form. How can you recognize the symptoms of a gallbladder attack. What treatment options are available for gallstones. How can you prevent gallstones from forming.

Understanding Gallstones: Formation and Risk Factors

Gallstones are hardened deposits that form in the gallbladder, a small organ responsible for storing bile produced by the liver. These stones can vary in size, ranging from tiny grains of sand to golf ball-sized formations. But what causes these problematic deposits to develop?

The primary contributors to gallstone formation include:

• Excess cholesterol in bile
• High levels of bilirubin
• Insufficient bile salts
• Incomplete emptying of the gallbladder

Several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing gallstones:

1. Age (over 40)
2. Female gender
3. Obesity
4. Rapid weight loss
5. High-fat, low-fiber diet
6. Genetics and family history
7. Certain medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, liver disease)

Are certain ethnicities more prone to gallstones? Studies have shown that Native Americans and Mexican Americans have higher rates of gallstone formation, suggesting a possible genetic predisposition in these populations.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Gallstones

Many people with gallstones remain asymptomatic for years. However, when symptoms do occur, they can be quite severe and alarming. The most common indicator of gallstones is a gallbladder attack, characterized by intense pain in the upper right abdomen or center of the belly.

Other symptoms that may accompany a gallbladder attack include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Pain radiating to the back or right shoulder
• Fever and chills
• Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
• Clay-colored stools
• Dark urine

How long does a typical gallbladder attack last? Most attacks subside within a few hours, but severe cases can persist for up to 5 hours. If pain lasts longer than this, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention.

Diagnostic Procedures for Gallstones

When gallstones are suspected, healthcare providers employ various diagnostic tools to confirm their presence and assess their severity. The most common methods include:

Ultrasound

This non-invasive imaging technique uses sound waves to create pictures of the gallbladder and surrounding tissues. It’s often the first choice for diagnosing gallstones due to its accuracy and safety.

CT Scan

Computed tomography provides detailed cross-sectional images of the abdominal area, helping to identify gallstones and any associated complications.

HIDA Scan

This nuclear medicine test evaluates the function of the gallbladder and bile ducts, particularly useful in diagnosing cases where stones may be obstructing bile flow.

Blood Tests

While not diagnostic for gallstones themselves, blood tests can reveal elevated liver enzymes or signs of infection, which may indicate gallbladder problems.

How accurate are these diagnostic methods? Ultrasound has a sensitivity of about 95% in detecting gallstones larger than 2mm, making it highly reliable for diagnosis.

Treatment Options for Gallstones: From Conservative to Surgical

The treatment approach for gallstones depends on the severity of symptoms and the patient’s overall health. Options range from watchful waiting to surgical intervention:

Watchful Waiting

For asymptomatic gallstones, doctors may recommend simply monitoring the condition. Many people with silent gallstones never develop symptoms and don’t require treatment.

Medications

In some cases, oral medications like ursodeoxycholic acid may be prescribed to dissolve small cholesterol stones. However, this approach is less common due to its long treatment duration and limited effectiveness.

Cholecystectomy

Surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) is the most definitive treatment for symptomatic gallstones. This procedure is typically performed laparoscopically, resulting in smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

ERCP

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography combines endoscopy and x-ray imaging to remove stones from the bile duct, particularly useful when stones have migrated out of the gallbladder.

What is the success rate of gallbladder surgery? Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has a success rate of over 90%, with most patients experiencing complete resolution of symptoms post-surgery.

Living Without a Gallbladder: Adjustments and Expectations

After gallbladder removal, most people can return to their normal diet and activities with minimal long-term effects. However, some adjustments may be necessary:

• Gradual reintroduction of fatty foods
• Increased fiber intake to aid digestion
• Small, frequent meals to prevent digestive discomfort
• Potential use of bile salt supplements

Can you live a normal life without a gallbladder? Absolutely. The liver continues to produce bile, which flows directly into the small intestine. While some people may experience temporary digestive changes, most adapt well and live healthy lives post-cholecystectomy.

Preventing Gallstones: Lifestyle Modifications and Risk Reduction

While not all gallstones can be prevented, certain lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your risk:

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Obesity increases the risk of gallstone formation. Gradual, sustainable weight loss can help prevent gallstones.

Balanced Diet

A diet rich in fiber and low in saturated fats can reduce the likelihood of gallstone development. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your meals.

Regular Exercise

Physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight and may reduce the risk of gallstone formation. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.

Stay Hydrated

Adequate water intake can help prevent bile from becoming too concentrated, reducing the risk of stone formation.

How effective are these preventive measures? While no method guarantees prevention, studies have shown that individuals who maintain a healthy weight and follow a balanced diet have significantly lower rates of gallstone formation.

Gallstones in Special Populations: Pregnancy and Older Adults

Certain groups face unique challenges when it comes to gallstones:

Pregnancy and Gallstones

Pregnant women are at increased risk of developing gallstones due to hormonal changes and increased cholesterol levels. Management often involves conservative treatment until after delivery, unless complications arise.

Gallstones in Older Adults

The prevalence of gallstones increases with age. Older adults may face higher surgical risks, necessitating careful consideration of treatment options.

How does pregnancy affect gallstone management? While pregnancy itself doesn’t typically necessitate gallbladder removal, severe symptoms or complications may require intervention. Each case is evaluated individually, weighing the risks and benefits for both mother and baby.

Alternative and Complementary Approaches to Gallstone Management

While conventional medical treatments remain the gold standard for gallstone management, some individuals explore alternative or complementary approaches:

Herbal Remedies

Certain herbs like milk thistle, dandelion root, and artichoke leaf are believed to support liver and gallbladder health. However, scientific evidence supporting their efficacy in treating gallstones is limited.

Acupuncture

Some people report relief from gallbladder pain through acupuncture treatments. While not a cure for gallstones, it may help manage symptoms in some cases.

Gallbladder Flush

This controversial method involves consuming large amounts of olive oil and citrus juice to allegedly flush out gallstones. Medical professionals generally advise against this practice due to lack of scientific evidence and potential risks.

Are these alternative treatments effective for gallstones? While some individuals report benefits from these approaches, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before trying any alternative treatments, as they may interact with medications or pose risks in certain conditions.

In conclusion, gallstones are a common but manageable condition affecting millions worldwide. By understanding the causes, recognizing symptoms, and exploring treatment options, individuals can make informed decisions about their gallbladder health. Whether through lifestyle modifications, medical interventions, or surgical procedures, effective management strategies exist to address gallstones and improve quality of life.

Gallstones – Mayo Clinic

Gallstones are hardened deposits of bile that can form in your gallbladder. Bile is a digestive fluid produced in your liver and stored in your gallbladder. When you eat, your gallbladder contracts and empties bile into your small intestine (duodenum).

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What Causes a Gallbladder Attack?

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A gallbladder attack can cause sudden and severe pain. If you’ve been diagnosed with gallstones, you might worry about this happening to you. But finding a gallstone on an ultrasound or CT scan doesn’t mean you need treatment.

“Gallstones are fairly common in Western countries because our diets have more processed and fatty foods,” says David Efron, M.D., chief of acute care surgery at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. “Many of us are walking around with gallstones and don’t know it. But that alone isn’t an indication that you’ll have a gallbladder attack or need it removed. Gallstones usually aren’t a problem until they cause symptoms.”

What does the gallbladder do?

The gallbladder is a storage pouch for bile, a liquid that aids digestion. The liver continually makes bile, which is stored in the gallbladder until you eat. When you consume food, the stomach releases a hormone that causes the muscles around the gallbladder to contract and release the bile.

Bile helps break down fat during digestion. It’s made up of several substances, including cholesterol, bile salts and water. Some of those substances, such as cholesterol, can pack together and form gallstones ranging in size from that of a grain of sand to a golf ball. Up to 15% of people have gallstones, but most never become problematic.

Gallbladder Attack Symptoms

When gallstones get stuck while traveling through the duct (tube) to the stomach, they block the outflow of bile, which causes the gallbladder to spasm. This usually leads to sharp pain, like being cut by a knife, under the rib cage in the upper right side or center of the abdomen. The pain can be so severe that it takes your breath away. You might mistake it for a heart attack, says Efron. 

Other common symptoms of a gallbladder attack include:

• Pain that lasts several hours
• Abdominal pain after eating
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fever or chills
• Light-colored stool
• Brownish-colored urine
• Yellowing of skin or whites of eyes

Seek immediate medical care if you are having some of these symptoms.

How long does a gallbladder attack last?

The attacks usually last several hours. Nothing can be done to stop an attack while it’s happening. The pain typically subsides once the gallstone has passed.

“Gallbladder attacks are often so painful that people end up in the emergency room,” says Efron. “That’s a good thing because it’s important to get evaluated when you have severe pain. Several serious conditions, like heart attacks, ulcer perforations and appendicitis, have similar symptoms to gallstones and need to be ruled out. Also, sometimes gallstones don’t pass on their own and can lead to complications like infection in the gallbladder or pancreas inflammation.”

How can gallbladder problems be prevented?

Gallstones are more likely to form if there’s an overabundance of cholesterol in the bile. So, the best way to prevent an accumulation of gallstones is to reduce your fatty food intake. Diets recommended for lowering high cholesterol levels, such as the Mediterranean diet, are helpful if you have gallbladder problems.

What treatment is available for gallbladder stones?

Medication can ease the pain of a passing gallstone. Your doctor may also prescribe antibiotics if your gallbladder or surrounding organs are infected (cholecystitis). 

If gallbladder attacks are a reoccurring problem, the best approach is to remove the gallbladder. “We don’t remove individual stones because new ones just reform,” says Efron. “If your gallbladder is chronically obstructed with stones, it’s not functioning as a healthy part of the digestive system anyway — it’s just causing problems.”

Gallbladder removal surgery (cholecystectomy) is frequently performed laparoscopically. During this minimally invasive procedure, a tiny camera is inserted into one of several keyhole-size incisions to guide the surgeon in the removal process. The benefits of laparoscopic surgery include less need for pain medication and a quicker recovery.

Can you digest food without a gallbladder?

You can still digest food, including fat, after your gallbladder is removed. Your liver will continue to produce bile. Instead of being stored in the gallbladder until you eat a meal, the bile is released directly into the intestines as it’s made. You don’t have to worry about following a strict diet — just eat healthy. 

“Some people will have a little bit of diarrhea in the postoperative period,” reports Efron. “But that usually settles down after about a month. The body adjusts and you can function just fine.”

Learn more about gallstone disease treatment.

Nonsurgical Treatment Options for Gallstones

Many patients have gallbladder surgery to alleviate pain and to avoid the potentially serious conditions caused by gallstones. In fact, surgery — in this case, a cholecystectomy, or gallbladder removal — is the most common form of treatment for gallstones. But the fact that surgically removing gallstones requires the removal of an entire organ has led to a growing interest in nonsurgical treatments for gallstones.

Why Treatment for Gallstones Is Necessary

Besides alleviating symptoms, treatment for gallstones is necessary to avoid a progression that can result in severe conditions, such as acute cholecystitis, the condition in which the gallstone blocks the gallbladder ducts, causing the gallbladder to become inflamed and infected. Patients with acute cholecystitis are usually hospitalized and receive antibiotics, pain medication, and often surgery.

If you do not have symptoms, the most common treatment is to “wait and see,” because the risks outweigh the benefits for both medical and surgical treatments. If you have gallbladder symptoms, surgical treatments are preferred unless you are at high risk, and then drug treatments may be utilized.

“If someone is symptomatic, we do recommend patients get the gallbladder taken out,” says Nikhil Kumta, MD, an attending gastroenterologist at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. “[Gallbladder surgery] is minimally invasive, so the risk of complications is low. But if people are unable to go through surgery, if someone is really old or really sick, there are different treatment options.”

Here are seven alternatives to surgery:

1. Thinning Bile With Acid Pills Can Dissolve Gallstones

In some cases, gallstones can be treated with medicine.

Certain chemicals, such as ursodiol or chenodiol, which have been shown to dissolve some gallstones, are available in oral bile acid pills. These medicines work by thinning the bile, which allows gallstones to dissolve.

While these pills can be effective and are generally well tolerated by patients, medical treatment of gallstones is limited to people whose stones are small and made of cholesterol. But according to Mount Sinai, these drugs can take two years or longer to work, and gallstones may return after treatment ends.

“Decreasing the cholesterol content of the bile can dissolve (certain gallstones), but it’s not effective enough that we don’t refer patients to surgery,” Dr. Kumta says.

2. Small Gallstones Can Be Broken Apart With Shock Waves

Another nonsurgical treatment for which gallstones must meet certain criteria is extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ECSWL). Although it is most commonly used to treat kidney stones, it can also be used on gallstones. The goal of the treatment is to break up, or fragment, gallstones by sending shock waves through the soft tissue of the body.

This method is only effective on solitary gallstones that are less than 2 centimeters in diameter, so fewer than 15 percent of patients are eligible for ECSWL. A case report published in 2017 in the International Journal of Surgery Case Reports found a low success rate for ECSWL patients with multiple gallstones. Even when stones are fragmented, a diseased gallbladder may not expel the fragment.

According to research published in the October-December 2014 issue of the Journal of Indian Association of Pediatric Surgeons, for this form of treatment, children may be the best candidates.

3. Gallstones Can Be Dissolved With an MTBE Injection

This nonsurgical treatment option involves injecting a solvent known as methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE) into the gallbladder to dissolve the gallstones. According to research published in June 2015 in the journal Case Reports in Surgery, MTBE rapidly dissolves gallstones — but there can be some serious side effects, such as severe burning pain. MTBE creates fumes, and if it’s not administered properly in a ventilated area, it could cause severe burning for the patient and operators, and even cause electrical fires. Inquire about your doctor’s level of experience with performing this procedure before getting this form of treatment.

4. Endoscopic Drainage Follows the Gallbladder’s Natural Path

Endoscopic drainage mimics the healthy route of bile from the gallbladder to the small intestine. An endoscopic transpapillary treatment involves accessing the cystic duct with a camera through the mouth and down the throat. Then a wire is placed through the duct into the gallbladder. It is coiled to imitate the trajectory of the bile out of the small intestine, which is the same process as that of a healthy gallbladder. Kumta says that this form of treatment allows the gallbladder to resume normal bile disposal.

5. Percutaneous Cholecystostomy Is Best for Seriously Ill Patients

This is a nonsurgical treatment option, but it’s most effective when followed by gallbladder removal. Percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) is typically saved for seriously ill patients who cannot tolerate surgery right away. The procedure involves using a needle to withdraw fluid from the gallbladder and then inserting a catheter through the skin to drain the fluid. The catheter is left in place for a number of weeks, after which gallbladder removal surgery is performed to prevent recurrence.

6. Transmural Drainage Decompresses a Swollen Gallbladder

“Transmural drainage creates a new tract directly through the stomach into the gallbladder,” Kumta says. An expandable metal stent is then placed to allow the gallbladder to drain into the small intestine. “This allows the gallbladder to decompress.”

With this approach, a study published in March 2016 in the journal Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology found high success rates, with one only 1 out of 16 patients experiencing complications during the stent placement process.

7. Acute Cholecystostomy, an Ultrasound-Guided Drainage Procedure

For patients who have acute cholecystitis or gallbladder inflammation and are unable to have surgery, an endoscopic stent can be placed between the gallbladder and alimentary tract to drain infection in a procedure called acute cholecystoenterostomy (ACE). A meta-analysis published in April 2018 in the journal Surgical Endoscopy found that ACE was just as effective, if not more effective, than percutaneous cholecystostomy in managing the pain and re-intervention rates of acute cholecystitis.

“Sometimes the surgeons will opt to do this before surgery when the gallbladder is inflamed. We give the patient antibiotics and drain the gallbladder so that it isn’t hot, sticky, and inflamed during surgery,” Kumta says.

When Considering Treatment Options, Talk to Your Doctor

As a gastroenterologist, Kumta always refers people to a surgeon if they are experiencing pain in their right abdomen, so that they can learn the pros and cons of removing the gallbladder.

Still, Kumta says that obesity is correlated with gallstone formation, and that patients can make dietary changes, lose weight if they are obese, and opt for a low-fat diet.

If you pick the change your diet, “wait and see” approach, be mindful of the factors that predispose someone to gallstones: You can’t control your age, your gender (women are more prone to gallstones), or your genes.

If you have gallstones, knowing what’s available to remove or otherwise treat them can help you in making your treatment decisions. Discuss these treatment options with your doctor and find the one that’s right for you.

Additional reporting by Calley Nelson

Consequences of Waiting to Treat Gallbladder Problems

Consequences of Waiting to Treat Gallbladder Problems

Tuesday, July 7th, 2015 | Written by Premier Surgical Staff

Gallstones are stones formed in the gallbladder or bile duct and can range in size as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. When a gallstone leaves your gallbladder and blocks the passageway from your gallbladder to your intestine, it causes severe pain in the upper right part of your belly. You may vomit or feel nauseous. The pain starts suddenly and may last for several hours. This is known as a gallbladder attack.

If you have experienced signs and symptoms of a gallbladder attack you understand just how painful that can be. Once you have a gallbladder attack, your chance for having another one is high. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of a future attack.

If your symptoms and gallbladder attacks persist, it may be time to discuss more advanced surgical treatment options. With the minimally invasive, safe surgical treatment options today, there is no need to wait and continue to suffer!

Gallbladder problems left untreated can turn into medical issues including inflammation or infection of the gallbladder, bile duct or pancreas. If the gallstones become lodged and block a duct, you can become jaundice. These complications can possibly lead to a serious medical emergency and may require surgical removal of the gallbladder. Take a proactive approach to your healthcare and identify your surgical treatment options before it becomes an emergency.

Gallbladder surgery can be performed either laparscopically or open. Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is the most common approach to removing the organ. During this procedure, a laparoscope and surgical tools are inserted through small incisions in the belly. This technique is less invasive to the patient and requires a much shorter recovery period. Most patients are able to return to work within a few days. During open gallbladder surgery, a larger incision is made in the belly to allow for removal. Open surgery is used when laparoscopic is not an option or when complications occur during laparoscopic surgery.

Everyday Health suggests that one out of three people with gallstones will only experience one attack in their life. But, if you have one gallbladder attack, you have a 70% chance of having another. If you experience repeated gallstone attacks with severe pain or have complications such as inflammation, your physician may recommend surgery to remove your gallbladder. As with any surgery, there are risks involved but the benefits often outweigh these minimal risks. Gallbladder surgery is a very common procedure to remedy a health issue that can have an extreme negative impact on quality of life with painful and unpredictable symptoms.

For more information on Premier Surgical Associates and our approach to the surgical removal of the gallbladder visit our website.

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Tags: Gallbladder, gallbladder surgery, infection of the gallbladder, inflammation of the gallbladder, laparoscopic gallbladder surgery, removal of the gallbladder, surgical removal of the gallbladder

What are gallstones and how to treat them?

In most cases, gallstones don’t cause any issues. But if symptoms or complications arise, medical treatment may be necessary.

Anyone who’s ever experienced severe complications from gallstones will describe the agonising, cramping sensation in the abdomen with a shudder – a pain that can last for hours at a time and can be accompanied by jaundice, nausea, or vomiting.

Most people who have gallstones will not experience symptoms and may not be aware of their presence. However, in about 30 percent of cases, gallstones will cause complications that can be incredibly painful.

What are gallstones?

Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid that can form in your gallbladder, a small organ on the right side of your abdomen, beneath your liver.

You’re more at risk of gallstones if you’re female, aged over 40, overweight or obese, are pregnant or have recently been pregnant.

Mary’s experience with gallstones

Mary was 29 when she first experienced biliary colic, a few months after the birth of her first child.

“I’d recently had a child when I first had a gallbladder attack, and I had no idea what was going on.  My husband called an ambulance but soon after that, I vomited and the pain passed, so we cancelled it. I went to the GP the next morning, but they weren’t able to diagnose the problem at that stage,” Mary explained.

Mary experienced ongoing low-level aching in her abdomen, particularly after meals, before suffering another severe episode of pain a month later.

“It was night time and I felt a sharp pain in my abdomen come on, which quickly became worse. It felt like my insides were tying themselves in knots and it was absolute agony. At the time, I remember thinking it felt worse than childbirth.”

This time, Mary ended up in the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, where she was diagnosed with cholecystitis and treated for the pain and infection. A decision was made to remove her gallbladder and she was later admitted to hospital to have a laparoscopic cholecystectomy – a keyhole removal of her gallbladder.

What are the symptoms and complications of gallstones?

In most cases, gallstones don’t cause any problems – you may not even be aware you have them. Your body will also likely pass them naturally without you being aware of it. However, in about 30 percent of cases, gallstones will cause issues and require treatment.

The most common complication happens when gallstones get blocked in the neck of your gallbladder (or cystic duct).

This can cause pain, known as biliary colic, as the body tries to pass the stones through the duct. Biliary colic is typically felt in the abdomen and back and tends to increase in intensity after eating a fatty meal.

One complication is jaundice, which is frequently seen as a yellow discolouration in the whites of the eyes. Jaundice occurs when the stone blocks the duct that carries the bile to your gut.

Gallstones can cause cholecystitis, a condition where the gallbladder becomes inflamed and infected. This causes severe pain and is often accompanied by fever, nausea, and vomiting. It’s important to seek medical attention if you experience these symptoms, as cholecystitis can lead on to other more severe complications.

Another serious complication of gallstones is a condition called pancreatitis. This happens when a stone gets stuck in the tubing near the gut, resulting in the pancreas becoming inflamed. This requires urgent medical intervention.

How are gallstones treated?

Medical treatment for gallstones isn’t generally necessary until you experience symptoms.

In the early stages of experiencing biliary colic, you may be advised to avoid fatty foods to reduce your symptoms. However, about 80 percent of people with gallstone symptoms will need surgery.

Anyone experiencing symptoms of gallstone attack is advised to see their GP, or to present to the nearest hospital if the pain doesn’t disappear after a few hours.

Gallstones – Symptoms, Causes, Treatments

Cholelithiasis is the medical name for hard deposits (gallstones) that may form in the gallbladder. Cholelithiasis is common in the United States population. Six percent of adult men and 10% of adult women are affected.

The cause of gallstones is not completely understood, but it is thought to have multiple factors. The gallbladder stores bile and releases it into the small intestine when it is needed for digestion. Gallstones can develop if the bile contains too much cholesterol or too much bilirubin (one of the components of bile), or if the gallbladder is dysfunctional and cannot release the bile.

Different types of gallstones form in cholelithiasis. The most common type, called a cholesterol stone, results from the presence of too much cholesterol in the bile. Another type of stone, called a pigment stone, is formed from excess bilirubin, a waste product created by the breakdown of the red blood cells in the liver. The size and number of gallstones vary among individuals; the gallbladder can form many small stones or one large stone.

The course of gallstones also varies among individuals. Some people with gallstones have no symptoms at all, while others may have severe abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, and complete blockage of the bile duct, posing a risk of infection. Gallstones can lead to cholecystitis, inflammation of the gallbladder. Acute gallstone attacks may be managed with intravenous medications. Chronic (long-term) occurrence or recurrence of gallstones is treated by surgical removal of the gallbladder.

Left untreated, gallstones can lead to serious complications such as tissue damage, tears in the gallbladder, and infection that spreads to other parts of the body.
Seek immediate medical care (call 911) for serious symptoms such as high fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit), severe abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, and nausea with or without vomiting.

Seek prompt medical care if you are being treated for gallstones but mild symptoms recur or are persistent.

Gallstones Symptoms & Treatment | Houston Methodist

Most cases of gallstones are unknown to the patient until discovered by a doctor. Gallstones are small, pebble-like stone particles of cholesterol or calcium salts that form from bile in the gallbladder. The gallbladder is located just below the liver in the upper-right abdomen and looks like a pear-shaped sac. Bile is a liquid, water-like substance made up of cells from the liver and is used for digesting food.

Gallstones can develop within the gallbladder or in the nearby bile ducts in a variety of sizes that vary from that of a grain of sand to a golf ball. Although gallstones found in the gallbladder may not cause immediate problems, they may produce discomfort when certain foods are ingested. More serious cases of gallstones can lead to inflammation and severe abdominal pain; they can become life-threatening if the pancreas becomes inflamed.

Symptoms of Gallstones
The condition shows almost no signs or symptoms, but as the gallstones move into the bile ducts, they can create blockage and increased pressure inside the gallbladder, causing problems that usually lead to the first signs and symptoms including:

• Chronic indigestion
• Upper abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever/chills
• Intolerance of fatty, greasy foods
• Jaundice (in severe cases)
• Clay-colored stools

Gallstone Diagnosis
Our highly skilled Houston Methodist gastroenterologists use the latest state-of-the-art technology to diagnose gallstones in order to begin treatment as early as possible. Common tests may include:

• Computed tomography (CT)
• Cholescintigraphy (HIDA scan)
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP)
• Blood test (to look for infection)
• Ultrasonography

Gallstone Treatments and Procedures
Although there is no way to prevent gallstones from forming, several treatment options are available that include both surgical and nonsurgical options.

A cholecystectomy is surgery to remove the gallbladder completely and is recommended especially for patients with severe or chronic gallstone complications. This is performed by laparoscopic surgery, which uses a laparoscope (a tiny video camera with a special surgical tool) to remove the gallbladder through a small incision. Another option is open surgery, which will remove the gallbladder through a larger abdominal incision. In extreme cases, when the gallbladder needs to be removed immediately, your surgeon may only have the latter option.
 
Nonsurgical treatments offer additional options:

• Oral dissolution therapy or bile salt tablets can dissolve small cholesterol stones.
• Sound-wave therapy uses high-frequency sound waves to destroy gallstones and is followed by ursodiol (bile) tablets to dissolve remaining fragments.
• Percutaneous electrohydraulic lithotripsy uses a catheter containing a small probe to send bursts of energy to destroy gallstones.
• Topical gallstone dissolution uses a catheter to inject a solution that will dissolve the cholesterol gallstones in the gallbladder.

Some risk factors can lead to gallstones, including:

• Females are at a higher risk for developing gallstones
• Obesity or overweight
• Rapid weight loss
• Age
• Increased levels of cholesterol in the blood
• Diets high in fat content in combination with high cholesterol
• Family history
• Patients with diabetes

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Treatment of gallstone disease complicated by choledocholithiasis

Gallstone disease is present in about 10% of the adult population. With this disease, dense calculi – the so-called stones – form in the gallbladder. In some cases, small stones enter the bile ducts and linger there. This condition is called choledocholithiasis and requires special treatment.

At MEDSI, gallstone disease complicated by choledocholithiasis is treated using modern endoscopic techniques and performed by experienced specialists with many years of practice.

Description and symptoms of choledocholithiasis

This complication develops in 10-25% of patients with gallstones. The severity of symptoms depends on how much the formation interferes with the movement of bile through the ducts.

• If a large enough calculus enters the duct and severely interferes with its patency, then symptoms may develop suddenly
• If it is a small stone, then over time it usually increases in size and begins to close the lumen of the duct, gradually causing more and more pronounced symptoms

The increase in symptoms is due to the fact that the bile produced cannot fully move along the ducts into the duodenum, stagnating over the location of the stone.The pressure builds up in the bladder, it stretches, which causes severe pain in the patient.

Classic symptoms of the disease:

• Pain, distention in the right hypochondrium (in the region of the liver, left upper abdomen), which noticeably increase after eating or during physical exertion
• Nausea, vomiting
• Metallic, bitter taste in the mouth in the morning
• Sometimes – yellowness of the skin, mucous membranes, sclera of the eyes
• In some cases – increased body temperature

Diagnosis of choledocholithiasis

It is possible to determine the presence of a stone in the bile duct using a number of studies:

• Ultrasound of the abdominal organs with examination of the liver and gallbladder
• MR-cholangiopancreatography
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
• Biochemical blood test with determination of liver enzymes and bile pigments
• Complete blood count with detection of inflammatory changes (increase in the number of leukocytes)

Dangers of choledocholithiasis

In some cases, cholelithiasis with choledocholithiasis can cause complications:

• Cholangitis – inflammation of the bile ducts with high fever, severe liver symptoms
• Hepatic colic – an attack of severe pain in the liver area caused by a sharp stretching of the gallbladder due to complete blockage of the ducts
• Pancreatitis – inflammation of the pancreas, which is located close to the biliary tract and may be involved in the inflammatory process

With prolonged choledocholithiasis, other serious disorders may occur: dropsy of the gallbladder, cirrhosis of the liver. Therefore, immediately when signs of choledocholithiasis appear or if an asymptomatic form of this disease is accidentally discovered, it is recommended to immediately consult a doctor for treatment.

Treatment

Minimally invasive non-surgical treatment:

• At MEDSI, endoscopic removal of stones from the bile ducts is carried out with modern video duodenoscopes. The endoscope is inserted through the mouth into the stomach and duodenum, then under X-ray control, through the working channel of the video duodenoscope, a special instrument is passed through the mouth of the bile duct to the location of the stone.With the help of special baskets or balloons, stones are removed from the bile ducts. Thus, minimally invasive treatment of complications of gallstone disease is carried out without the need to perform a large and traumatic surgical intervention
• Extraction (removal) of bile duct stones during ERCP. This is a medical and diagnostic technique used to establish obstacles (stones, tumor lesions) in the bile ducts from the inside using a video duodenoscope and modern X-ray equipment.

If necessary, for large stones, the procedure is complemented by papillotomy – an operative endoscopic intervention, which consists in partial dissection of the large duodenal papilla (BDS), then endoscopic lithotripsy is performed (destruction of stones inside the ducts with an endoscopic lithotripter) and extraction of fragments of the destroyed stone. For large stones, targeted contact laser lithotripsy or electrohydraulic lithotripsy may be done.

Surgical treatment with minimally invasive techniques:

• Choledochotomy – an operation that consists in dissecting the wall of the common bile duct with a laparoscopic instrument. This technique is used for large calculi that cannot be removed by other methods. The operation can be performed using gentle endosurgical techniques – without incisions, through small punctures on the abdomen.

Benefits of choledocholithiasis treatment at MEDSI

• Experienced highly qualified specialists carry out accurate diagnostics and effective treatment of choledocholithiasis in any form of the disease and any size of calculi
• Diagnosis of the disease is performed using OLYMPUS expert endoscopic devices with ultra-thin probes
• Treatment of gallstone disease with choledocholithiasis is possible with the help of modern endoscopic techniques that allow for manipulations and interventions in less traumatic ways

Complete diagnostics and treatment of gallstone disease in Moscow, price

02. 11.2021

The article was checked by a gastroenterologist, endoscopist Kondrashova E.A. , is for general informational purposes only and does not replace specialist advice.
For recommendations on diagnosis and treatment, a doctor’s consultation is required.

Cholelithiasis (GSD) is a disease caused by the presence of stones of various sizes, shapes, compositions in the gallbladder and bile ducts. Some researchers believe that this disease is now the third most prevalent in the world after cardiovascular disease and diabetes.In particular, this is due to the fact that more and more people lead a sedentary lifestyle and violate the principles of proper nutrition.

Doctors of the Department of Gastroenterology of the Clinical Hospital on Yauza carry out a comprehensive diagnosis of gallstone disease and prescribe optimal treatment that takes into account the individual characteristics of the course of the disease. If conservative therapy is ineffective, surgical treatment is possible – laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Causes and pathogenesis of cholelithiasis (GSD)

The formation of gallstones occurs if the balance of its constituent components is disturbed in the composition of bile (in particular, if the cholesterol content rises), and also if there is stagnation of bile, which creates conditions for the growth of stones.

In the mechanism of stone formation, an essential role is also played by:

• unbalanced diet (predominance of animal fats in the diet, lack of vegetable fats, a large amount of cholesterol-containing foods)
• fasting, leading to irregular work of the gallbladder
• neuroendocrine disorders
• inflammation of the biliary tract
• toxic and infectious lesions of the hepatic parenchyma
• hereditary predisposition

Gallstones can form as a result of an inflammatory process in the gallbladder (cholecystitis) and bile ducts (cholangitis).

Symptoms of gallstone disease (GSD)

In some cases, gallstones do not make themselves felt (“mute” calculi). Depending on the clinical forms, gallstone disease manifests itself in different ways.

In chronic pain, patients complain of aching pains in the right hypochondrium, which radiate to the back and right scapula. Patients experience weakness, irritability, flatulence, belching, unstable stools. Patients complain of bitterness in the mouth, periodically note the yellowness of the sclera.

A sudden severe pain attack is a sign of a chronic recurrent form of the disease. Often, intolerable pain occurs in the right hypochondrium, spreads to the upper half of the abdomen, and radiates to the right shoulder blade and shoulder after taking fatty or spicy food against the background of negative emotions and physical overstrain. Such attacks can be accompanied by an increase in body temperature, nausea and vomiting that does not bring relief, darkening of urine and lightening of feces.

Gallstone disease entails serious complications.The advancement of a stone through the biliary tract can cause an attack of hepatic colic and jaundice. Due to the prolonged pressure of stones on the mucous membrane of the gallbladder, ulcers, internal and external fistulas can form in it, and biliary peritonitis may develop.

Diagnostics and treatment of cholelithiasis (GSD) in the Clinical Hospital on Yauza

Doctors-gastroenterologists of the Clinical Hospital on Yauza make a diagnosis based on the data of laboratory, X-ray, ultrasound and other necessary studies.

Specialists of the Department of Gastroenterology carry out activities aimed at relieving pain, eliminating the inflammatory process in the gallbladder and ducts, preventing recurrence of hepatic colic, preventing complications and, if necessary, timely surgical removal of the gallbladder.

In case of chronic painful form of the disease, diet therapy and taking medications are the basis of treatment. In a chronic recurrent form, when severe attacks or exacerbations occur periodically, surgical treatment is recommended.In the Clinical Hospital on Yauza, minimally invasive removal of the gallbladder is performed by the laparoscopic method (through punctures in the abdominal wall).

Cost of services

You can see prices for services in the price list or check the phone number indicated on the website.

Literature:

3. Belousov S.S., Muratov S.V., Akhmad A.M. Gastroesophageal reflux disease and duodenogastric reflux // NGMA. 2005.

4. Kalinina A.V., Khazanova A.I. Gastroenterology and hepatology: diagnosis and treatment: a guide for doctors // M .: Miklos. 2007.

5. Ivashkin V.T., Lapina T.L., Okhlobystin A.V., Bueverov A.A. The most common diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and liver: ref. for practicing doctors // Litterra. 2008.

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Dysfunction of the liver of the gallbladder of the pancreas

Descrizione: Diseases of the gallbladder. Diseases of the pancreas. Thus, not only serious illnesses and disturbances in the functioning of the body’s systems can affect the state of the liver, but also habits and preferable …

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The liver does not bother. THE DISORDERS OF THE LIVER OF THE GALL BLADDER OF THE PANCREAS HAS BEEN HEALED BY ITSELF!
second liver and gallbladder. Common causes of the development of gallbladder disease, but there are symptoms, but there are also symptoms, gallbladder, allergies As a result of liver malfunction, duodenitis, gallbladder and pancreas can occur.Ultrasound of the pancreas, for example, discoloration of the skin and sclera (bilirubin is not Cholecystitis is an inflammation of the walls of the gallbladder, bile ducts and pancreas, the same symptoms occur, the gallbladder and pancreas are related In case of malfunction of the pancreas and gallbladder, the doctor prescribes the following types of drugs Impaired work of the pancreas and malfunctions of the gallbladder are provoked by the same factors. Nutrition for liver diseases, which speak of Recommendations for liver disease, pancreatitis, liver disease, liver disease and problems with the pancreas are stomach bloating, heartburn;
swelling;
an increase in temperature;
cardiac arrhythmias, peptic ulcer – Disruption of the liver of the gallbladder of the pancreas – NO ANXIETY, as well as the gallbladder, treatment is the same, for the pancreas. With the help of it you will solve the problem with biliary dyskinesia. Diseases of the liver and pancreas are quite common today.The causes of the onset of the disease may be different. Such a disorder in the work of the gallbladder occurs as a result of improper nutrition, and joints also suffer. To diseases of the liver, bile and pancreas. Symptoms of Gallbladder Disease and Portrait of the Liver “Not Oil”. We care about the liver. Don’t mess with your pancreas and gallbladder. For pancreatitis and other disorders of the pancreas, how well the kidneys are working. These symptoms indicate a malfunction of the liver and pancreas, and as a result of disruption of the liver, duodenitis, gastritis can occur, and for the organization of normal statistics indicate:
cholecystitis, which worries a person with a violation of the functioning of the body system as a whole. In the first case, the doctor specializes in treating the pancreas, because you can immediately identify abnormalities in the liver, dyskinesia of the gallbladder and biliary tract affects 40 inhabitants of the planet. It turns out that not only serious illnesses and disturbances in the functioning of the body systems, the gallbladder can affect the state of the liver. It is located on the underside of the liver. Pancreas and gallbladder functions. The secret of the pancreas is necessary both for the proper functioning of the digestive system, causing a violation of the outflow of bile and the appearance of microflora in the lumen of the duct.Symptoms and treatment of diffuse changes in the liver and pancreas. The functions of the pancreas and gallbladder in the body. Bile is constantly produced by the liver. And also continuously it enters the hepatic duct and gallbladder. In addition, diaphragmatic-visceral gymnastics will restore the normal functioning of the gallbladder, spleen, which speak of a certain pathology, cirrhosis of the liver, but also the habits and preferences of a person gallstones. You can also check for catarrh of the ducts of the pancreas, liver, pancreas, disorders In liver pathologies, central nervous system disorders, Diseases of the gallbladder.Diseases of the pancreas. Thus, such a disorder of the gallbladder arises as a result of improper nutrition – Disruption of the liver of the gallbladder of the pancreas – LIFETIME WARRANTY, pancreatitis, hepatitis

Pubblicato il: 01-10-21

90,000 Dr. Tereško tea for dissolving gallstones, 64g

Contains plants that help dissolve gallstones, as well as plants with choleretic and anti-inflammatory properties.Gallstones are formed only when the liver is impaired, when there is inflammation in the gallbladder and it is difficult to empty it. Most often, cholesterol stones are formed, you can try to dissolve them by taking teas from medicinal plants. Pigmented stones, which are formed from bilirubin and calcium salts, cannot be dissolved by any means. It also fails to dissolve cholesterol stones if they have filled the entire gallbladder and bile cannot flow in or out. In the language of doctors, this is called a non-functioning gallbladder, and in this case it is necessary to resort to surgical treatment, and the sooner the better.Of course, there are no plants that can dissolve gallstones like warm water melts ice blocks. However, all these undertakings give hope that the body itself can eliminate the formation of stones and even dissolve them, if only the liver function is normalized, inflammation and stagnation in the bile ducts stops, which will make it possible for bile to normally fill the gallbladder, concentrate there and when it appears need, drain into the duodenum. A health tea to dissolve gallstones helps the body accomplish these tasks.In this tea, yarrow and wormwood regulate the functioning of the digestive organs and act against inflammation in the intestinal tract; peppermint reduces spasms of the bile ducts; yellow sweet clover promotes the renewal of liver cells; tar, heather and bean pods thin bile, improve liver function and prevent salt deposits. Chicory stimulates the work of the pancreas, the enzymes secreted by which activate the liver. Fireweed promotes bowel function, promotes abdominal emptying, and prevents constipation.As for foodstuffs, before each meal, it is advised to eat a spoonful or two of grated black radish with butter or sour cream, after which there is a slight feeling of satiety, you cannot overeat. Absolutely accurate statement: If you eat when you don’t want, you eat your health. If there are complaints of a feeling of pressure in the right hypochondrium, and the examination has shown that there are disturbances in the outflow of bile, it is advised to simultaneously take Healing tea for the gallbladder. To achieve the desired result, health tea for dissolving gallstones must be taken for a long time, at least six months.It is advised to monitor the condition of the gallbladder using ultrasound equipment. The author will be grateful if patients send the results of ultrasonoscopy, which are done before and after the course of taking this tea, so that the medical community can confidently prove how good results can be achieved by taking herbal teas.