What are gallstones and how do they form. How common are gallstones and who is at risk. What complications can arise from untreated gallstones. What treatment options are available for gallstone removal. How can diet and lifestyle changes help prevent gallstone formation.

What Are Gallstones and How Do They Form?

Gallstones, medically known as cholelithiasis, are hard, pebble-like deposits that form in the gallbladder. These stones can vary dramatically in size, ranging from tiny grains of sand to golf ball-sized masses. Gallstones typically form when there’s an imbalance in the chemical composition of bile stored in the gallbladder.

There are two main types of gallstones:

• Cholesterol stones: Yellow-green in color, these account for about 75% of gallstones in many countries. They form when there’s an excess of cholesterol in bile.
• Pigment stones: Dark in color, these are composed primarily of bilirubin, a byproduct of red blood cell breakdown.

Some individuals may develop a mixture of both types. The formation of gallstones is a complex process influenced by various factors, including genetics, diet, and certain medical conditions.

The Role of the Biliary Tract in Gallstone Formation

To understand gallstone formation, it’s crucial to comprehend the function of the biliary tract. This system consists of the gallbladder and bile ducts, playing a vital role in digestion by storing and releasing bile. The liver produces bile, which is then stored in the gallbladder until needed for digestion.

When we eat, the gallbladder contracts, releasing bile into the small intestine to aid in fat digestion. If the bile contains too much cholesterol or bilirubin, or if the gallbladder doesn’t empty properly, stones can form over time.

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Gallstone Development

Gallstones are remarkably common, affecting 10-15% of the U.S. population – nearly 25 million people. Each year, about one million Americans are diagnosed with gallstones, with approximately a quarter requiring treatment, usually surgical intervention.

Certain groups are at higher risk of developing gallstones:

• Women: Due to factors such as estrogen levels and pregnancy
• Older adults: The risk increases with age
• Individuals with a family history of gallstones
• American Indians: Genetic factors increase their risk
• Mexican Americans: Also at higher risk

Several health conditions can increase the likelihood of gallstone formation:

• Cirrhosis
• Bile duct infections
• Hemolytic anemias (e.g., sickle cell anemia)
• Intestinal diseases affecting nutrient absorption (e.g., Crohn’s disease)
• High triglyceride levels
• Low HDL cholesterol
• Metabolic syndrome
• Diabetes and insulin resistance

Diet and Weight-Related Risk Factors

Dietary habits and weight-related issues significantly influence gallstone development:

• Obesity, especially in women
• Rapid weight loss, often associated with weight-loss surgery
• Diets high in calories and refined carbohydrates but low in fiber

Recognizing the Symptoms of Gallstones

While many gallstones remain asymptomatic, some can cause significant discomfort and health issues. The primary symptom of problematic gallstones is a gallbladder attack, also known as biliary colic. This occurs when gallstones block the bile ducts, causing sudden and intense pain in the upper right abdomen.

Other symptoms may include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Pain that radiates to the back or right shoulder
• Fever and chills (if infection is present)
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) in severe cases

Are all gallstones symptomatic? No, many gallstones are “silent” and don’t cause any symptoms. These typically don’t require medical treatment unless they begin causing problems.

Potential Complications of Untreated Gallstones

While many gallstones remain harmless, untreated symptomatic gallstones can lead to serious complications:

1. Cholecystitis: Inflammation of the gallbladder
2. Choledocholithiasis: Blockage of the common bile duct
3. Cholangitis: Infection of the bile ducts
4. Gallstone pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas due to gallstone blockage
5. Gallbladder cancer: Although rare, chronic inflammation from gallstones may increase this risk

Can gallstones resolve on their own? In some cases, small gallstones may pass through the bile duct without causing symptoms. However, larger stones or those causing blockages typically require medical intervention.

Diagnostic Procedures for Gallstones

Accurate diagnosis of gallstones is crucial for appropriate treatment. Healthcare providers use various diagnostic tools:

• Ultrasound: The most common and non-invasive method for detecting gallstones
• CT scan: Provides detailed images of the gallbladder and surrounding tissues
• HIDA scan: Assesses gallbladder function and detects blockages
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): Allows for both diagnosis and potential treatment
• Blood tests: To check for signs of infection or complications

When to Seek Medical Attention

Is immediate medical attention necessary for all gallstone symptoms? Not always, but it’s important to consult a healthcare provider if you experience:

• Severe abdominal pain lasting more than a few hours
• Fever accompanied by abdominal pain
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Persistent nausea and vomiting

Treatment Options for Gallstones

The treatment approach for gallstones depends on the severity of symptoms and the individual’s overall health. Options include:

1. Watchful Waiting

For asymptomatic gallstones, doctors may recommend monitoring without active treatment. This approach is often suitable for small, silent stones that aren’t causing problems.

2. Medications

In some cases, medications may be prescribed to dissolve small gallstones. However, this method is less common and typically takes months or years to be effective.

3. Surgical Intervention

Cholecystectomy, or surgical removal of the gallbladder, is the most common treatment for symptomatic gallstones. This procedure can be performed in two ways:

• Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: A minimally invasive procedure using small incisions
• Open cholecystectomy: Traditional surgery used in more complex cases

4. Non-surgical Procedures

In some cases, non-surgical methods may be used to remove or break down gallstones:

• Lithotripsy: Using shock waves to break up stones
• ERCP: Removing stones from the bile duct

What factors determine the best treatment approach? The choice of treatment depends on the size and location of the stones, the severity of symptoms, and the patient’s overall health status.

Lifestyle Changes and Prevention Strategies

While some risk factors for gallstones are beyond our control, lifestyle modifications can help reduce the risk of formation:

Dietary Adjustments

• Maintain a healthy weight through balanced nutrition
• Increase fiber intake
• Reduce consumption of refined carbohydrates and saturated fats
• Stay hydrated

Physical Activity

Regular exercise can help maintain a healthy weight and improve overall metabolic health, potentially reducing gallstone risk.

Gradual Weight Loss

If weight loss is necessary, aim for a gradual approach. Rapid weight loss can increase the risk of gallstone formation.

Manage Underlying Health Conditions

Proper management of conditions like diabetes and high cholesterol can help reduce gallstone risk.

Can a healthy lifestyle completely prevent gallstone formation? While no prevention method is 100% effective, adopting these lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of developing gallstones.

Living Without a Gallbladder: What to Expect

For those who undergo gallbladder removal, it’s natural to wonder about life post-surgery. The good news is that most people can live normal, healthy lives without a gallbladder. The liver continues to produce bile, which flows directly into the small intestine instead of being stored in the gallbladder.

However, some individuals may experience changes in digestion, particularly in the first few weeks or months after surgery:

• Increased frequency of bowel movements
• Looser stools
• Difficulty digesting fatty foods

These symptoms typically improve over time as the body adjusts. Dietary modifications, such as eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding very fatty or spicy foods, can help manage these changes.

Long-term Considerations

Are there long-term health implications of living without a gallbladder? For most people, gallbladder removal doesn’t lead to significant long-term health issues. However, a small percentage of individuals may experience ongoing digestive changes or develop conditions like bile acid malabsorption. Regular follow-ups with a healthcare provider can help address any concerns and ensure optimal health post-surgery.

Emerging Research and Future Directions in Gallstone Management

The field of gallstone research continues to evolve, with scientists exploring new avenues for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Some areas of current interest include:

Genetic Factors

Researchers are delving deeper into the genetic components that influence gallstone formation. Understanding these genetic markers could lead to more personalized prevention strategies and treatments.

Microbiome Influence

The role of gut bacteria in gallstone formation is an emerging area of study. Future treatments might involve modifying the gut microbiome to reduce the risk of gallstone development.

Advanced Imaging Techniques

New imaging technologies are being developed to detect gallstones earlier and with greater accuracy, potentially allowing for intervention before complications arise.

Novel Treatment Approaches

Scientists are exploring new medications and minimally invasive techniques for gallstone dissolution and removal, aiming to provide alternatives to surgical intervention.

How might these advancements change gallstone management in the future? As research progresses, we may see a shift towards more preventive approaches and personalized treatment plans based on individual risk factors and genetic profiles.

In conclusion, while gallstones remain a common health issue, our understanding and management of this condition continue to improve. From lifestyle modifications to surgical interventions and emerging research, the field of gallstone management offers various options for prevention, treatment, and ongoing care. As always, individuals concerned about gallstones or experiencing symptoms should consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice and treatment plans.

Definition & Facts for Gallstones

In this section:

• What are gallstones?
• Do gallstones have another name?
• What is the biliary tract?
• How common are gallstones?
• Who is more likely to develop gallstones?
• What are the complications of gallstones?

What are gallstones?

Gallstones are hard, pebble-like pieces of material, usually made of cholesterol or bilirubin, that form in your gallbladder. Gallstones can range in size from a grain of sand to a golf ball. The gallbladder can make one large gallstone, hundreds of tiny stones, or both small and large stones.

When gallstones block the bile ducts of your biliary tract, the gallstones can cause sudden pain in your upper right abdomen. This pain is called a gallbladder attack, or biliary colic. If your symptoms continue and they’re left untreated, gallstones can cause serious complications.

However, most gallstones don’t cause blockages and are painless, also called “silent” gallstones. Silent gallstones usually don’t need medical treatment.

Types of gallstones

The two main types of gallstones are

• cholesterol stones
• pigment stones

Cholesterol stones are usually yellow-green in color and are made of mostly hardened cholesterol. In some countries, cholesterol stones make up about 75 percent of gallstones.¹

Pigment stones are dark in color and are made of bilirubin. Some people have a mix of both kinds of stones.

Gallstones can range in size from a grain of sand to a golf ball.

Do gallstones have another name?

Cholelithiasis is the name doctors sometimes call gallstones.

What is the biliary tract?

Your biliary tract, which is made up of your gallbladder and bile ducts, helps with digestion by releasing bile.

The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ that stores bile and is located in your upper right abdomen, below your liver.

The bile ducts of your biliary tract include the hepatic ducts, common bile duct, and cystic duct. Bile ducts also carry waste and digestive juices from the liver and pancreas to the duodenum.

Your liver produces bile, which is mostly made of cholesterol, bile salts, and bilirubin. Your gallbladder stores the bile until it’s needed. When you eat, your body signals your gallbladder to empty bile into your duodenum to mix with food. The bile ducts carry the bile from your gallbladder to the duodenum.

Your biliary tract, which is made up of your gallbladder and bile ducts, helps with digestion by releasing bile.

How common are gallstones?

Gallstones are very common, affecting 10 to 15 percent of the U.S. population, which is almost 25 million people. About a quarter of the nearly 1 million people diagnosed with gallstones each year will need to be treated, usually with surgery.²

Who is more likely to develop gallstones?

Certain groups of people have a higher risk of developing gallstones than others.³

• Women are more likely to develop gallstones than men. Women who have extra estrogen in their body due to pregnancy, hormone replacement therapy, or birth control pills may be more likely to produce gallstones.
• Older people are more likely to develop gallstones. As you age, the chance that you’ll develop gallstones becomes higher.
• People with a family history of gallstones have a higher risk.
• American Indians have genes that raise the amount of cholesterol in their bile, and have the highest rate of gallstones in the United States.
• Mexican Americans are also at higher risk of developing gallstones.

American Indians have genetic factors that make them more likely to develop gallstones.

People with certain health conditions

You are more likely to develop gallstones if you have one of the following health conditions:

• cirrhosis, a condition in which your liver slowly breaks down and stops working due to chronic, or long-lasting, injury
• infections in the bile ducts, which can also be a complication of gallstones
• hemolytic anemias, conditions in which red blood cells are continuously broken down, such as sickle cell anemia
• some intestinal diseases that affect normal absorption of nutrients, such as Crohn’s disease
• high triglyceride levels
• low HDL cholesterol
• metabolic syndrome, which can also raise the risk of gallstone complications
• diabetes and insulin resistance

People with diet- and weight-related health concerns

You are more likely to develop gallstones if you

• have obesity, especially if you are a woman
• have had fast weight loss, like from weight-loss surgery
• have been on a diet high in calories and refined carbohydrates and low in fiber

Learn more about dieting and gallstones.

What are the complications of gallstones?

Complications of gallstones can include

• inflammation of the gallbladder
• severe damage to or infection of the gallbladder, bile ducts, or liver
• gallstone pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas due to a gallstone blockage

Many people do not have symptoms of gallstones until they have complications.

If left untreated, gallstones can be deadly. Treatment for gallstones usually involves gallstone surgery.

References

Gallbladder – gallstones and surgery

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Summary

Read the full fact sheet

• Gallstones are small stones made from cholesterol, bile pigment and calcium salts, which form in a person’s gall bladder.
• Medical treatment isn’t necessary unless the gallstones cause symptoms.
• Treatment options include surgery and shattering the stones with soundwaves.

The gallbladder is a small sac that holds bile, a digestive juice produced by the liver that is used in the breakdown of dietary fats. The gallbladder extracts water from its store of bile until the liquid becomes highly concentrated. The presence of fatty foods triggers the gallbladder to squeeze its bile concentrate into the small intestine.

Gallstones (biliary calculi) are small stones made from cholesterol, bile pigment and calcium salts, usually in a mixture that forms in the gallbladder. They are a common disorder of the digestive system, and affect around 15 per cent of people aged 50 years and over.

Some things that may cause gallstones to form include the crystallisation of excess cholesterol in bile and the failure of the gallbladder to empty completely.

In most cases, gallstones don’t cause any problems. However, you might need prompt treatment if stones block ducts and cause complications such as infections or inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).

Surgeons may remove your gallbladder (called a cholecystectomy) if gallstones (or other types of gallbladder disease) are causing problems. Techniques include laparoscopic (‘keyhole’) cholecystectomy or open surgery. The gallbladder is not a vital organ, so your body can cope quite well without it.

Symptoms of gallstones

In approximately 70 per cent of cases, gallstones cause no symptoms. The symptoms of gallstones may include:

• pain in the abdomen and back. Pain is generally infrequent, but severe
• increase in abdominal pain after eating a fatty meal
• jaundice
• fever and pain, if the gallbladder or bile duct becomes infected.

Types of gallstones

There are three main types of gallstones being:

• mixed stones – the most common type. They are made up of cholesterol and salts. Mixed stones tend to develop in batches
• cholesterol stones – made up mainly of cholesterol, a fat-like substance that is crucial to many metabolic processes. Cholesterol stones can grow large enough to block bile ducts
• pigment stones – bile is greenish-brown in colour, due to particular pigments. Gallstones made from bile pigment are usually small, but numerous.

Causes and risk factors for gallstones

Gallstones are more common in women than in men. They are also more common in overweight people and people with a family history of gallstones.

There is no single cause of gallstones. In some people, the liver produces too much cholesterol. This can result in the formation of cholesterol crystals in bile that grow into stones. In other people, gallstones form because of changes in other components of bile or because the gallbladder does not empty normally.

Diagnosis of gallstones

Doctors diagnose gallstones by using a number of tests, including:

• general tests – such as physical examination and x-rays
• ultrasound – soundwaves form a picture that shows the presence of gallstones
• endoscope test – endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). A thin tube is passed through the oesophagus and injects dye into the bowel to improve the quality of x-ray pictures
• hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scan – a special type of nuclear scan that assesses how well the gallbladder functions
• magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) – a form of the body-imaging technique magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The person’s liver, biliary and pancreatic system is imaged using an MRI unit. The image is similar to an ERCP test.

Complications of gallstones

If gallstones cause no symptoms, you rarely need any treatment.

Complications that may require prompt medical treatment include:

• biliary colic – a gallstone can move from the body of the gallbladder into its neck (cystic duct), leading to obstruction. Symptoms include severe pain and fever
• inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis) – a gallstone blocks the gallbladder duct, leading to infection and inflammation of the gallbladder. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting
• jaundice – if a gallstone blocks a bile duct leading to the bowel, trapped bile enters the person’s bloodstream instead of the digestive system. The bile pigments cause a yellowing of the person’s skin and eyes. Their urine may also turn orange or brown
• pancreatitis – inflammation of the pancreas, caused by a blocked bile duct low down near the pancreas. Pancreatic enzymes irritate and burn the pancreas and leak out into the abdominal cavity
• cholangitis – inflammation of the bile ducts, which occurs when a bile duct becomes blocked by a gallstone and the bile becomes infected. This causes pain, fever, jaundice and rigors (shaking)
• infection of the liver
• cancer of the gallbladder (occurs rarely).

Treatment for gallstones

Gallstones that cause no symptoms, generally don’t need any medical treatment. In certain cases (such as abdominal surgery for other conditions), doctors may remove your gallbladder if you are at high risk of complications of gallstones.

Treatment depends on the size and location of the gallstones, but may include:

• dietary modifications – such as limiting or eliminating fatty foods and dairy products
• lithotripsy – a special machine generates soundwaves to shatter the gallstones. This treatment is used in certain centres only, for the minority of people with small and soft stones
• medications – some medications can dissolve gallstones, but this treatment is only rarely given, due to side effects and a variable success rate
• surgery.

Surgical removal of the gallbladder or gallstones

Around 80 per cent of people with gallstone symptoms will need surgery. Surgeons may remove your entire gallbladder (cholecystectomy), or just the stones from bile ducts.

Techniques to remove the gallbladder include:

• laparoscopic cholecystectomy – ‘keyhole’ surgery. The surgeon makes a number of small incisions (cuts) through the skin, allowing access for a range of instruments. The surgeon removes the gallbladder through one of the incisions
• open surgery (laparotomy) – the surgeon reaches the gallbladder through a wider abdominal incision. You might need open surgery if you have scarring from prior operations or a bleeding disorder.

Medical factors to consider before cholecystectomy

Before the operation, you need to discuss some things with your doctor or surgeon, including:

• your medical history, since some pre-existing conditions may influence decisions on surgery and anaesthetic
• any medications you take on a regular basis, including over-the-counter preparations
• any bad reactions or side effects from any medications.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy

The general procedure includes:

• The surgeon makes a number of small incisions into your abdomen, so that slender instruments can reach into the abdominal cavity.
• A tube blowing a gentle stream of carbon dioxide gas is inserted. This separates the abdominal wall from the underlying organs.
• The surgeon views the gallbladder on a TV monitor by using a tiny camera attached to the laparoscope.
• Special x-rays (cholangiograms) during the operation can check for gallstones wedged in the bile ducts.
• The ducts and artery that service the gallbladder are clipped shut. These clips are permanent.
• The gallbladder is cut free using either laser or electrocautery
• The gallbladder, along with its load of gallstones, is pulled out of the body through one of the abdominal incisions.
• The instruments and the carbon dioxide gas are removed from the abdominal cavity. The incisions are sutured (closed up) and covered with dressings.

Open gallbladder surgery

The general procedure is the same as for laparoscopic surgery, except that the surgeon reaches the gallbladder through a large, single incision in the abdominal wall. Sometimes, an operation that starts out as a laparoscopic cholecystectomy turns into open surgery if the surgeon encounters unexpected difficulties, such as not being able to see the gallbladder properly.

Immediately after gallbladder surgery

After a gallbladder operation, you can expect to:

• feel mild pain in your shoulder from the carbon dioxide gas
• receive pain-relieving medications
• be encouraged to cough regularly to clear your lungs from the general anaesthetic
• be encouraged to walk around as soon as you feel able
• stay overnight in hospital, if you had a laparoscopic cholecystectomy
• stay up to eight days in hospital, if you had open surgery.

Complications after gallbladder surgery

All surgery carries some degree of risk. Possible complications of cholecystectomy include:

• internal bleeding
• infection
• injury to nearby digestive organs
• injury to the bile duct
• leakage of bile into the abdominal cavity
• injury to blood vessels.

Self-care after gallbladder surgery

Be guided by your doctor, but general self-care suggestions include:

• Rest as much as you can for around three to five days.
• Avoid heavy lifting and physical exertion.
• Expect your digestive system to take a few days to settle down. Common short-term problems include bloating, abdominal pains and changes to toilet habits.

Most people recover within one week of laparoscopic surgery.

Long-term outlook after gall bladder surgery

You will need to see your doctor between seven and 10 days after surgery to make sure all is well. Some rare complications may have to be followed up with another operation.

Where to get help

• Your doctor
• Gastroenterologist
• NURSE-ON-CALL Tel. 1300 60 60 24 – for expert health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days)

Things to remember

• Gallstones are small stones made from cholesterol, bile pigment and calcium salts, which form in a person’s gall bladder.
• Medical treatment isn’t necessary unless the gallstones cause symptoms.
• Treatment options include surgery and shattering the stones with soundwaves.

• Gallstones, Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA), NSW, Australia. More information hereExternal Link.
• ‘Cholelithiasis’, The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy, eds R. Berkow, M. Beers, A. Fletcher & R. Bogin. Merck & Co, Whitehouse Station, NJ, USA. More information hereExternal Link.
• Zakko, SF, 2010, Patient information: Gallstones, UpToDate Inc, More information hereExternal Link.
• Afdhal, NH, 2008, Natural history of asymptomatic gallstones, UpToDate Inc, More information hereExternal Link.

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Reviewed on: 31-08-2014

Cholelithiasis, surgery to remove gallbladder stones price in SP

A chronic disease of the biliary tract, in which stones form in the gallbladder (more often) and bile ducts, is called cholelithiasis (GSD).

If stones are detected in the common bile duct, then this form of gallstone disease is called choledocholithiasis .

Historical information

The disease has been known since ancient times. For the first time, gallbladder stones were discovered during the autopsy and described by Galen, the great surgeon, writer and philosopher, who lived in the second half of the 2nd century AD in ancient Rome. During the Renaissance, in the writings of Gentile de Foligno in 1341, there is also a mention of CL.

A detailed description of gallbladder stones appeared in the middle of the 18th century (C. Galeati), and at the same time, the study of their chemical composition was first undertaken. All information about cholelithiasis contained in the works of various authors was summarized by Albrecht Haller (1755). In his works, he showed that gallstones are found not only in humans, but also in horses, pigs, cows, marmots, monkeys and other animals.

He divided all stones of the gallbladder and ducts into 2 groups:

• Large ovoid, often solitary, consisting of “a tasteless yellow substance which, when heated, melts like sealing wax and is liable to burn”.
• Smaller, dark-colored, multifaceted, which are often found not only in the gallbladder, but also in the bile ducts.

Since the middle of the 19th century, there have been various theories of the origin of gallstones. Of these, two main directions can be distinguished.

Supporters of one of them saw the cause of cholelithiasis in an abnormal state of the liver. Such a liver produces bile of a changed composition, as a result of which its dense parts precipitate, forming stones. Other researchers considered bile stasis and inflammation of the biliary tract and gallbladder as the main cause of the disease.

More thorough work on GSD appeared already in the 20th century. In addition to a detailed study of the structure of gallstones, a theory of the occurrence of cholelithiasis was developed. It was based on the concept of “stagnant gallbladder” and metabolic disorders.

The incidence of gallstone disease

The incidence of gallstone disease has increased dramatically in the last decade and continues to increase. According to the National Institutes of Health (1992), 10-15% of the adult population of the world suffers from gallstone disease. Visiting doctors for bile duct and gallbladder stones in the Russian Federation is approximately 1 million people a year.

Women get sick 3-5 times more often than men, and cholelithiasis was also more common in them (5-6 times) than in men.

Modern understanding of the causes leading to gallstones

• First of all, it is a metabolic disorder that affects the chemical composition of bile. The composition of bile, which is a complex chemical solution, includes poorly soluble substances. In order for them not to precipitate, it is necessary to preserve them in strict proportions. If their percentage is violated in one direction or another, then a precipitate forms, which can then turn into stones.
• Secondly, this is a violation of the correct movement of bile along the bile ducts . The occurrence of obstacles to the outflow of bile into the duodenum, long periods of starvation lead to stagnation of bile in the gallbladder, its thickening and precipitation.

In turn, the formation of stones contributes to the disruption of the normal process of digestion: there are failures in the formation, storage and secretion of bile, which is one of the most important components for proper digestion of food. There are groups of people who are at high risk of gallstone disease and chronic calculous cholecystitis.

The following risk factors are distinguished:

• Heredity . The likelihood of developing gallbladder and duct stones increases in the presence of direct relatives suffering from this pathology.
• Diseases associated with metabolic disorders: diabetes mellitus, gout, obesity, atherosclerosis, decreased thyroid function.
• Diseases of the liver : cirrhosis, fatty liver, chronic hepatitis.
• Diseases of the digestive system eg pancreatitis, duodenitis, colitis, dysbacteriosis and others. Sometimes there is the so-called “Saint’s triad” – a combination of cholelithiasis with diaphragmatic hernia and diverticulosis of the colon.
• Physical inactivity.
• Improper diet: abuse of high-fat, high-calorie foods, sweets.
• Prolonged fasting, diets . A break in eating for more than 8 hours, as well as a long diet that does not contain animal fats, leads to stagnation in the gallbladder.
• Taking certain medications, such as steroid hormones and oral contraceptives.
• Changes in hormonal balance during pregnancy.
• Smoking and alcohol abuse .

Symptoms of gallstone disease

The manifestations of the disease are extremely varied. Most often, the following forms of GSD are distinguished:

• latent,
• chronic dyspeptic,
• chronic pain,
• chronic relapsing,
• other forms.

In a certain sense, these forms can be considered as stages in the development of cholelithiasis. In the same patient, after a period of latent course, dyspeptic disorders may appear, after a while – a moderately severe pain syndrome and, finally, typical attacks of hepatic colic. However, such a development of the disease is far from necessary. Often, its first manifestation may be an attack of acute cholecystitis and hepatic colic.

Dyspeptic form of cholelithiasis

It is characterized by complaints associated with a violation of the digestive process. There is a feeling of heaviness in the stomach, heartburn, flatulence, unstable stool. Usually these sensations occur periodically, but can be permanent. They usually occur after meals. Moreover, patients often associate their appearance with the use of certain foods: fatty, fried, spicy dishes. The appearance of complaints can also be associated with taking too large portions of food.

Painful chronic form of cholelithiasis

It proceeds without bouts of acute pain. The pains are aching in nature, localized under the pit of the stomach and in the right hypochondrium, aggravated after eating, especially fatty foods. Their irradiation to the region of the right scapula is characteristic. The long existence of stones in the gallbladder can last indefinitely, but, ultimately, leads to the occurrence of an inflammatory process in it.

Chronic calculous cholecystitis

One of the frequent manifestations of chronic calculous cholecystitis is constant heaviness and pain in the right hypochondrium, nausea, which is aggravated by fatty and spicy foods. Small stones can be manifested by hepatic colic: an attack of acute pain in the right side of the abdomen, sometimes in the epigastric region. An attack can be triggered by the intake of fatty spicy foods or alcohol, as well as shaking while driving or stress. Vomiting and nausea are frequent companions of pain. Characterized by irradiation of pain in the right shoulder blade, right shoulder or right arm. The cause of a painful attack may be wedging a stone into the neck of the gallbladder. This leads to severe spasm. The gallbladder itself at this time is significantly reduced, trying to push out the bile, but a stuck stone prevents it from leaving. The duration of the pain attack is different – from several minutes to many hours and even days. If the obstruction has been removed and the stone has ceased to block the exit from the gallbladder, the symptoms quickly subside. Vomiting stops, temperature normalizes; general well-being improves. For some time, weakness and a feeling of weakness persist, and dyspeptic phenomena are occasionally noted. The patient’s condition may remain quite satisfactory until the next attack, which may develop in a few days, weeks, months or years.

Consequences of chronic cholecystitis

People who suffer from chronic cholecystitis for a long time end up risking their health and even their lives. The inflammatory process from the gallbladder spreads to neighboring organs, primarily the pancreas and liver. Almost all such patients have a chronic form of pancreatitis and changes in the liver. At the same time, irreversible changes occur in the gallbladder, which leads to three options for the development of the disease.

1. 1. The process of gallstone formation does not stop. The addition of infection and inflammation creates favorable conditions for the growth and formation of new stones. The bubble is filled with stones and ceases to be a reservoir for the accumulation of bile. It cannot perform its main functions in the digestive process. Food is poorly digested.
2. 2. Frequent inflammation of the gallbladder due to attacks of hepatic colic leads to a change in the wall of the gallbladder: it becomes overgrown with adhesions, and the muscles are replaced by dense scar tissue. The bladder cavity sharply decreases in size, a “scar-wrinkled bladder” is formed, which also does not participate in the digestion process.
3. 3. When the cystic duct is blocked by a stone, the bladder becomes large and overdistended. Overflowing with bile, which does not find a way out, the bladder loses its ability to contract, and even after the stone leaves the duct, it remains stretched, while it is no longer able to push out the bile. Gradually, the contents become colorless – “white bile”. Hydrocele of the gallbladder develops. Sometimes it is asymptomatic (apparently, the patient simply forgets about the attack). However, if dropsy appeared after an attack of hepatic colic, the enlarged gallbladder remains painful for a long time. Such a gallbladder is also turned off from the digestion process. In addition, bile, which remains in the gallbladder and is not renewed, easily suppurates when an infection joins, gallbladder empyema develops.

It is necessary to carry out a differential diagnosis of biliary (hepatic) colic from an attack of acute calculous cholecystitis. This is inflammation of the gallbladder, provoked by the presence of stones in it, which is manifested not only by severe pain, but also by the presence of fever, signs of intoxication, sometimes positive peritoneal symptoms and requires emergency inpatient treatment. The appearance of a fever, jaundice, and a decrease in blood pressure in a patient with cholelithiasis requires the exclusion of such possible complications as acute cholecystitis, pancreatitis, cholangitis, etc.

Basic methods for diagnosing gallbladder stones

Laboratory studies

1. With an exacerbation of gallstone disease, changes in the clinical blood test are observed: the number of leukocytes increases with the appearance of their young forms, the ESR rises, which indicates the presence of an inflammatory process. There may be changes in the biochemical parameters of the blood: an increase in the level of hepatic transaminases, amylase, lipase, total bilirubin. In most cases of asymptomatic stone carrying, the blood test may not be changed. Also, without changes in laboratory parameters, short attacks of biliary colic can pass.

Instrumental diagnostics

1. 1. The most accessible and effective method for screening diagnostics of all stages of cholelithiasis is abdominal ultrasound (ultrasound). Ultrasound of the liver and gallbladder allows you to see stones in the bladder cavity, determine their size, mobility, evaluate the size of the residual cavity of the gallbladder, identify signs of inflammation or deformation of its wall. Also, with ultrasound, the intra- and extrahepatic bile ducts are clearly visible, it is possible to assess their deformation, expansion and the presence of additional inclusions (calculi) in them.
2. 2. A more accurate diagnosis of the condition of the biliary tract is shown by magnetic resonance imaging – MR cholangiography.
   When performing MR – cholangiography, an image of the gallbladder, cystic duct, segmental, lobar ducts, common hepatic duct, choledochus and main pancreatic duct is obtained. You can evaluate their deformation, identify the expansion or narrowing of their lumen in certain areas. It becomes possible to accurately visualize stones not only in the gallbladder, but also in the lumen of the bile ducts. Additional examination methods for cholelithiasis include computed tomography (CT) and videoduodenoscopy.
3. 3. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdominal cavity is performed in case of suspected pathology of neighboring organs (liver, pancreas), in case of suspected oncological pathology in the biliary system.
4. 4. Video gastroduodenoscopy is an endoscopic examination that resembles video gastroscopy, but is performed using a special endoscope with lateral optics, which allows you to clearly see the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe major duodenal papilla or “papilla of Vater” (the place where the bile ducts enter the duodenum).

Treatment of cholelithiasis and chronic calculous cholecystitis

Conservative treatment of gallstones

In the arsenal of doctors there are preparations of ursodeoxycholic acid, which changes the chemical composition of bile. These are drugs henofalk and ursofalk, they are prescribed for the purpose of drug lithosis (dissolution of stones). Treatment should be carried out against the background of strict adherence to diet and diet, as well as anti-inflammatory therapy. The duration of treatment is up to 2.5-3 years and does not always achieve the desired result. It should be remembered that true “stones”, consisting mainly of calcium, do not dissolve. Therefore, drug treatment can be used only in the initial stages of the disease, when the sediment in the bile is mainly represented by cholesterol stones.

Gallbladder removal surgery with stones

Cholecystectomy – removal of the gallbladder – the main method of surgical treatment. The operation is performed either in an open way through an incision in the abdominal wall, or laparoscopically – endovideosurgical cholecystectomy. The purpose of the operation: removal of the gallbladder with stones. The difference lies only in what instruments the surgeon works with and in what way the gallbladder with stones is removed.

In an open surgical operation, the incision through which the bladder is removed can be made from the xiphoid process to the navel, or the second access is in the right hypochondrium. The laparoscopic method is less traumatic – special instruments and optics are inserted through 4 small incisions on the skin. With the help of these tools, the gallbladder is removed. After such an operation, the scars are hardly noticeable. The length of stay in a hospital bed is 2-3 days. A week later, the patient is well.

Patient essential

In the modern world, cholelithiasis is a well-studied pathology, and laparoscopic surgery is the “gold standard of treatment”. Unfortunately, many people do not pay attention to the initial manifestations of the disease, do not undergo clinical examination or preventive examination to detect stones in the gallbladder. As a result, the disease is detected at late stages, when drug treatment is not only ineffective, but also contraindicated, and the success of a minimally invasive surgical operation also becomes doubtful.

In the presence of the complaints described above, as well as the listed risk factors, it is necessary to contact a surgeon or a gastroenterologist for recommendations on examination and selection of optimal treatment or preventive measures.

Our Clinic performs a full range of diagnostics, surgical and endoscopic treatment of cholelithiasis and its complications. Surgical operations in most cases are performed minimally invasively using laparoscopic and endoscopic technologies.

Treatment and removal of stones in the gallbladder (treatment of gallstone disease, surgery), stones in the gallbladder laparoscopy in Nizhny Novgorod at the clinic

Gallstone disease is a problem that worries most of the population. The main contingent of patients are people with overweight, impaired metabolic processes in the body, diseases of the biliary tract, associated with stagnation of bile in the gallbladder.

The occurrence of stones in the gallbladder is a process associated with the stagnation of bile, the precipitation of cholesterol crystals contained in it. Gradually, small crystals combine and form stones, which sometimes reach impressive sizes. Under the action of the contraction of the bladder, it is possible for the stone to pass through the ducts.

Not always the size of the stone allows it to pass freely, which often leads to obstruction of the duct, accompanied by the so-called hepatic colic – acute paroxysmal pain in the right hypochondrium, and jaundice may also occur.

A large, heavy stone that lies in the gallbladder can form a bedsore due to constant pressure, and subsequently perforate the wall of the gallbladder with the development of peritonitis. All these complications can be prevented if timely treatment of cholelithiasis , namely, to remove stones from the gallbladder.

To make a diagnosis, various measures are required (blood tests, ultrasound, x-rays with and without contrast). In particularly difficult cases, it is possible to perform a diagnostic laparoscopy.

Gallbladder stones may not cause any symptoms at all, so it is important to consider this disease in the differential diagnosis.

Gallbladder stones – treatment, modern approach to the problem

Treatment of gallstones can be conservative (without surgery) or surgical. Many people are afraid to go for surgery, as it is associated, in their opinion, with a great risk to health. But they expose themselves to even greater risk by refusing surgery for gallstone disease. Conservative treatment of cholelithiasis is possible in the presence of stones, ideally 5 mm (size up to 15-20 mm is allowed).

We must not forget that getting rid of stones, but not curing the main cause of their occurrence, you can get a relapse of the disease. Therefore, a radical treatment for gallstones is removal of stones from the gallbladder together with it. The operation is called a cholecystectomy.

The classic option for the surgical treatment of gallstone disease is cholecystectomy with laparotomic access (that is, an incision on the anterior abdominal wall).

However, medicine does not stand still, and because of its invasiveness, long recovery period and possible complications, the method fades into the background. The current alternative (and the “gold standard for gallstone surgery”) is laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

The advantage of such an operation for cholelithiasis is that not one large incision is made, but several small ones (5-10 mm in size), which significantly reduces tissue trauma. Trocars and an optical device are inserted into the abdominal cavity through the holes, which transmits the image to the screen.

In this way, the surgeon can examine the gallbladder as well as adjacent organs. Removal of stones from the gallbladder is not performed separately.

During the operation, the entire gallbladder is removed along with its contents using a special electric knife, which ensures a minimum of bleeding. The gallbladder is placed in a special plastic bag in order to remove it from the abdominal cavity without tearing it. This is the prevention of the development of bile peritonitis. Also, the use of such a bag allows at laparoscopy, gallbladder stones removed one by one, if they are large and cannot pass through a small hole in the abdominal wall at the same time.

Surgery for cholelithiasis is a guarantee of successful recovery and adequate prevention of relapses.

Advantages of laparoscopic surgery for cholelithiasis:

• Early activation of the patient
• Minimize trauma and reduce the risk of complications
• Fast and accurate operation

Treatment of stones in the gallbladder in Nizhny Novgorod

Removal of stones from the gallbladder is possible during a laparoscopic operation – cholecystectomy.