Where are gallstones. Gallstones: Understanding Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

25.11.202215.07.2023 by alexxlab

Where are gallstones located. What are the main symptoms of gallstones. What causes gallstones to form. How are gallstones diagnosed and treated. Who is at risk for developing gallstones. What complications can arise from untreated gallstones. How can gallstones be prevented.

Содержание

The Gallbladder and Its Role in Digestion

The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located beneath the liver. Its primary function is to store and concentrate bile, a greenish-yellow fluid produced by the liver to aid in the digestion of fats. When we consume fatty foods, the gallbladder contracts and releases bile into the small intestine through a series of ducts.

Understanding the gallbladder’s role in digestion is crucial for comprehending how gallstones form and why they can cause problems. But what exactly are gallstones?

What Are Gallstones and How Do They Form?

Gallstones are solid, pebble-like deposits that form within the gallbladder. They can vary in size from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball. There are two main types of gallstones:

Cholesterol stones: These are the most common type, accounting for about 80% of gallstones. They form when there’s an excess of cholesterol in the bile.
Pigment stones: These are less common and are made up of bilirubin, a substance produced when red blood cells break down.

Gallstones develop when there’s an imbalance in the composition of bile. This can occur due to several factors:

Too much cholesterol in the bile
Too much bilirubin in the bile
Not enough bile salts
Incomplete or infrequent emptying of the gallbladder

Is there a way to prevent gallstones from forming? While not all risk factors can be controlled, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and staying hydrated can help reduce the likelihood of developing gallstones.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Gallstones

Many people with gallstones remain asymptomatic for years. However, when gallstones cause blockages or inflammation, they can lead to a condition known as gallstone disease or cholelithiasis. The symptoms of gallstone disease can include:

Sudden, intense pain in the upper right abdomen or center of the abdomen
Pain that radiates to the right shoulder or between the shoulder blades
Nausea and vomiting
Fever and chills
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Clay-colored stools

These symptoms often occur after eating a fatty meal and can last from a few minutes to several hours. A gallstone attack, also known as biliary colic, typically lasts between 1 to 5 hours.

Can gallstone symptoms be mistaken for other conditions? Yes, gallstone symptoms can sometimes be confused with other digestive issues or even heart problems. It’s essential to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Risk Factors for Gallstone Formation

While anyone can develop gallstones, certain factors increase the risk. These include:

Age: The risk increases with age, particularly after 40
Gender: Women are more likely to develop gallstones than men
Obesity: Excess weight increases cholesterol in bile and reduces gallbladder emptying
Rapid weight loss: Can cause the liver to secrete extra cholesterol into bile
Pregnancy: Hormonal changes can increase cholesterol levels in bile
Family history: Genetic factors may play a role
Certain medical conditions: Such as diabetes, cirrhosis, or blood disorders like sickle cell anemia
Certain medications: Including those containing estrogen

Understanding these risk factors can help individuals make informed decisions about their lifestyle and health choices. Are there any preventive measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of gallstones?

Diagnosing Gallstones: Tests and Procedures

When gallstones are suspected, healthcare providers may use several diagnostic tools to confirm their presence and assess their impact. Common diagnostic procedures include:

Ultrasound: The most commonly used and often the first test performed
CT scan: Provides detailed images of the gallbladder and surrounding structures
HIDA scan: Uses a radioactive tracer to evaluate gallbladder function
Blood tests: To check for signs of infection or obstruction
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): Combines X-rays with an endoscope to visualize the bile ducts

Early diagnosis is crucial for preventing complications and determining the most appropriate treatment. How accurate are these diagnostic methods in detecting gallstones?

The Importance of Timely Diagnosis

Prompt diagnosis of gallstones is essential for several reasons:

It allows for early intervention, potentially preventing more severe complications
It helps differentiate gallstone symptoms from other similar conditions
It guides the selection of the most appropriate treatment option
It can prevent unnecessary surgeries or treatments

Healthcare providers will consider the patient’s symptoms, medical history, and diagnostic test results to determine the best course of action.

Treatment Options for Gallstones

The treatment for gallstones depends on the severity of symptoms and the presence of complications. Options include:

Watchful Waiting

For asymptomatic gallstones, a “wait and see” approach may be recommended. Many people with gallstones never experience symptoms and don’t require treatment.

Surgical Removal (Cholecystectomy)

The most common treatment for symptomatic gallstones is surgical removal of the gallbladder, known as cholecystectomy. This is typically done laparoscopically, resulting in smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

Medications

In some cases, medications may be used to dissolve small gallstones. However, this approach is less common and takes longer to be effective compared to surgery.

Lithotripsy

This procedure uses shock waves to break up gallstones. It’s less commonly used and is only suitable for certain types of gallstones.

What factors do doctors consider when recommending a treatment option for gallstones? The choice of treatment depends on various factors, including the size and location of the gallstones, the severity of symptoms, the patient’s overall health, and their personal preferences.

Living Without a Gallbladder: What to Expect

Many people worry about the implications of living without a gallbladder. However, it’s entirely possible to lead a normal, healthy life after gallbladder removal. Here’s what to expect:

The liver will continue to produce bile, but it will flow directly into the small intestine instead of being stored in the gallbladder
Some people may experience loose stools or diarrhea initially, but this usually resolves over time
Dietary adjustments may be necessary, such as avoiding very fatty or spicy foods
Most people can return to their normal activities within a week or two after laparoscopic surgery

Are there any long-term dietary restrictions after gallbladder removal? While most people can eat a normal diet after recovery, some may need to make minor adjustments to prevent digestive discomfort.

Potential Complications of Untreated Gallstones

While many gallstones remain asymptomatic, untreated symptomatic gallstones can lead to serious complications. These may include:

Cholecystitis: Inflammation of the gallbladder
Choledocholithiasis: Gallstones in the bile ducts
Cholangitis: Infection of the bile ducts
Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas
Gallbladder cancer: A rare but serious complication

These complications can be serious and potentially life-threatening if left untreated. How quickly can complications develop from untreated gallstones? The timeline can vary greatly between individuals, emphasizing the importance of regular check-ups and prompt attention to symptoms.

Recognizing Emergency Situations

Certain symptoms indicate a medical emergency and require immediate attention:

Severe abdominal pain that doesn’t subside
High fever with chills
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Persistent nausea and vomiting
Dark urine and clay-colored stools

If you experience these symptoms, seek medical care immediately to prevent serious complications.

Preventing Gallstones: Lifestyle and Dietary Considerations

While not all gallstones can be prevented, certain lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of their formation:

Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity increases the risk of gallstones
Avoid rapid weight loss: Crash diets can increase the risk of gallstone formation
Eat a balanced diet: Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
Stay hydrated: Drinking adequate water can help prevent bile from becoming too concentrated
Exercise regularly: Physical activity can help maintain a healthy weight and promote good gallbladder health
Limit high-fat foods: Excessive dietary fat can increase cholesterol in bile

Can dietary supplements help prevent gallstones? While some studies suggest that certain supplements may be beneficial, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.

The Role of Diet in Gallstone Prevention

A healthy diet can play a significant role in preventing gallstones. Consider incorporating these elements into your diet:

High-fiber foods: Help reduce cholesterol levels
Healthy fats: Such as those found in olive oil and fish
Lean proteins: Choose low-fat options to reduce overall fat intake
Fruits and vegetables: Provide essential nutrients and fiber
Coffee: Some studies suggest that moderate coffee consumption may reduce the risk of gallstones

Remember, while diet can play a role in prevention, it’s just one aspect of overall health. Regular check-ups and a healthy lifestyle are equally important in maintaining gallbladder health.

Gallstones – NHS

Gallstones are small stones, usually made of cholesterol, that form in the gallbladder. In most cases, they do not cause any symptoms and do not need to be treated.

Symptoms of gallstones

Gallstones often have no symptoms.

But if a gallstone becomes trapped in an opening (duct) inside the gallbladder, it can trigger a sudden, intense pain in your tummy that usually lasts between 1 and 5 hours.

This type of abdominal pain is known as biliary colic.

Some people with gallstones can also develop complications, such as inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis).

This can cause:

persistent pain
yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
a high temperature

When gallstones cause symptoms or complications, it’s known as gallstone disease or cholelithiasis.

The gallbladder

The gallbladder is a small pouch-like organ found underneath the liver. Its main purpose is to store and concentrate bile.

Bile is a liquid produced by the liver to help digest fats. It’s passed from the liver into the gallbladder through a series of channels known as bile ducts.

The bile is stored in the gallbladder and, over time, becomes more concentrated, which makes it better at digesting fats.

The gallbladder releases bile into the digestive system when it’s needed.

Causes of gallstones

Gallstones are thought to develop because of an imbalance in the chemical make-up of bile inside the gallbladder.

In most cases the levels of cholesterol in bile become too high and the excess cholesterol forms into stones.

Gallstones are very common. It’s estimated more than 1 in every 10 adults in the UK has gallstones, although only a minority of people develop symptoms.

You’re more at risk of developing gallstones if you’re:

overweight or obese
female (particularly if you have had children)
40 or over (the risk increases as you get older)

Treating gallstones

Treatment is usually only necessary if gallstones are causing:

symptoms, such as tummy pain
complications, such as jaundice or acute pancreatitis

In these cases, keyhole surgery to remove the gallbladder may be recommended.

This procedure, known as a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, is relatively simple to perform and has a low risk of complications.

It’s possible to lead a normal life without a gallbladder.

Your liver will still produce bile to digest food, but the bile will drip continuously into the small intestine, rather than build up in the gallbladder.

Outlook

Gallstone disease is usually easily treated with surgery.

Very severe cases can be life threatening, particularly in people who are already in poor health.

But deaths from gallstone disease are rare in the UK.

Video: gallstones

In this video, a doctor explains what gallstones are, the symptoms and the treatment options.

Media last reviewed: 1 May 2021
Media review due: 1 May 2024

Community content from HealthUnlocked

Page last reviewed: 19 November 2021
Next review due: 19 November 2024

Gallstones | Johns Hopkins Medicine

What are gallstones?

Gallstones form when bile stored in the gallbladder hardens into stone-like
material. Too much cholesterol, bile salts, or bilirubin (bile pigment) can
cause gallstones.

When gallstones are present in the gallbladder itself, it is called
cholelithiasis. When gallstones are present in the bile ducts, it is called
choledocholithiasis. Gallstones that obstruct bile ducts can lead to a
severe or life-threatening infection of the bile ducts, pancreas, or liver.
Bile ducts can also be obstructed by cancer or trauma, but this is not
related to gallstones.

What causes gallstones?

Cholesterol stones are believed to form when bile contains too much
cholesterol, too much bilirubin, not enough bile salts, or when the
gallbladder does not empty as it should for some other reason.

Pigment stones tend to develop in people who have cirrhosis, biliary tract
infections, and hereditary blood disorders such as sickle cell anemia. The
causes of these stones are uncertain.

What are the symptoms of gallstones?

At first, most gallstones do not cause symptoms. However, when gallstones
become larger, or when they begin obstructing bile ducts, symptoms or
“attacks” begin to occur. Attacks of gallstones usually occur after a fatty
meal and at night. The following are the most common symptoms of
gallstones. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently.
Symptoms may include:

Steady, severe pain in the upper abdomen that increases rapidly and
may last from 30 minutes to several hours
Pain in the back between the shoulder blades
Pain in the right shoulder
Nausea
Vomiting
Fever
Chills
Jaundice. A yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Abdominal bloating
Intolerance of fatty foods
Belching or gas
Indigestion

People who experience the following symptoms should consult their doctor
immediately:

Some people with gallstones do not have any symptoms. These stones are
called “silent stones,” because they do not interfere with the function of
the gallbladder, liver, or pancreas, and do not require treatment in most
cases.

The symptoms of gallstones may resemble other conditions or medical
problems, such as heart attack, appendicitis, ulcers, irritable bowel
syndrome, hiatal hernia, pancreatitis, or hepatitis. Always consult your
health care provider for a diagnosis.

Who is affected by gallstones?

The following are suggested risk factors for gallstones:

Obesity.
Obesity is a major risk factor for gallstones, especially in women.
Estrogen.
Excess estrogen from pregnancy, hormone replacement therapy, or
birth control pills appears to increase cholesterol levels in bile
and decrease gallbladder movement, both of which can lead to
gallstones.
Ethnicity.
Native Americans have the highest rates of gallstones in this
country and seem to have a genetic predisposition to secrete high
levels of cholesterol in bile.
Gender.
Women are twice as likely to develop gallstones than men.
Age.
People over 60 are more likely to develop gallstones than younger
people.
Cholesterol-lowering drugs.
Drugs that lower cholesterol in blood can actually increase the
amount of cholesterol secreted in bile, which, in turn, increases
the risk of gallstones.
Diabetes.
People with diabetes generally have high levels of fatty acids,
called triglycerides, which increase the risk for gallstones.
Rapid weight loss.
As the body metabolizes fat during rapid weight loss, it causes the
liver to secrete extra cholesterol into bile, which can cause
gallstones.
Fasting.
Fasting decreases gallbladder movement, which causes the bile to
become overconcentrated with cholesterol.

How are gallstones diagnosed?

In some cases, asymptomatic gallstones are discovered by
accident–during testing for another diagnosis. However, when pain
persists or happens again and again, your health care provider may want
to conduct a complete medical history and physical examination, in
addition to the following diagnostic procedures for gallstones:

Ultrasound.
A diagnostic technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to
create an image of the internal organs.
Cholecystography.
X-ray that shows the flow of contrast fluid through the
intestines into the gallbladder.
Blood tests.
These look for signs of infection, obstruction, jaundice,
and/or pancreatitis.
Computed tomography scan (also called a CT or CAT scan).

A diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of
X-rays and computer technology to produce horizontal, or axial,
images (often called slices) of the body. A CT scan shows
detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones,
muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than
general X-rays.
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).

A procedure that involves inserting an endoscope (viewing tube)
through the stomach and into the small intestine. A special dye
injected during this procedure shows the ducts in the biliary
system.
Sphincterotomy.
Opening the muscle sphincter, a ring of muscle around a natural
opening that acts like a valve, wide enough so stones can pass
into the intestine.

Treatment for gallstones

Specific treatment for gallstones will be determined by your health
care provider based on:

Your age, overall health, and medical history
Extent of the condition
Your tolerance of specific medicines, procedures, or therapies
Expectations for the course of the condition
Your opinion or preference

If the gallstones cause no symptoms, treatment is usually not
necessary. However, if pain persists, treatment may include:

Gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy).
Once removed, the bile flows directly from the liver to the
small intestine. Side effects of this may include diarrhea
because the bile is no longer stored in the gallbladder.
Oral dissolution therapy.
Drugs made from bile acid are used to dissolve the stones.
Methyl-tert-butyl ether.
A solution injected into the gallbladder to dissolve stones.
Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL).
A procedure that uses shock waves to break stones up into tiny
pieces that can pass through the bile ducts without causing
blockages.
Contact dissolution therapy.
An experimental procedure that involves injecting a drug
directly into the gallbladder to dissolve the stones.

symptoms and when to see a doctor

Gallstone disease (GSD) is the formation of stones (calculi) in the gallbladder and bile ducts. Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid that most commonly form in your gallbladder. Your gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ on the right side of your abdomen, just below your liver. The gallbladder contains a digestive fluid called bile, which is secreted into the small intestine to aid in the digestion of food.

Gallbladder stones range in size from a grain of sand to a golf ball. Some people develop only one gallstone, while others develop many small stones at the same time.

The presence of stones carries the risk of developing dangerous conditions and severe complications.

Symptoms

Gallstones often cause no signs or symptoms. If a gallstone gets stuck in the duct and causes a blockage, the following symptoms develop:

Sudden and rapidly increasing pain in the center of the abdomen, just below the sternum, on the right
Pain in the back between the shoulder blades
Right shoulder pain
Nausea or vomiting
Pain associated with gallstone disease can last from several minutes to several hours

When to see a doctor

Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any signs or symptoms that worry you.

Read about the diagnosis and treatment of cholelithiasis at the link.

Seek care right away if you develop signs and symptoms of a serious complication associated with gallstones, for example:

Abdominal pain so severe that you cannot sit still or find a comfortable position
Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)
High fever with chills

Number for calling an ambulance in Moscow – 103

Causes of cholelithiasis

It is unclear what causes gallstones. Doctors believe that gallstones can occur in the following cases:

Your bile contains too much cholesterol . Normally, your bile contains enough chemicals to dissolve the cholesterol secreted by your liver. But if your liver secretes more cholesterol than bile can dissolve, the excess cholesterol can turn into crystals and eventually stones.

Your bile contains too much bilirubin . Bilirubin is a chemical produced when red blood cells are broken down in the body. Under certain conditions, the liver produces too much bilirubin, including cirrhosis of the liver, biliary tract infections, and certain blood disorders. Excess bilirubin contributes to the formation of gallstones.

Your gallbladder is not emptying properly. If the gallbladder does not empty completely or often enough, the bile can become very concentrated, which promotes the formation of gallstones.

Types of gallstones

Types of gallstones that can form in the gallbladder include:

Cholesterol stones in the gallbladder. The most common type of gallstones, called cholesterol gallstones, are often yellow in color. These gallstones are made up primarily of undissolved cholesterol, but may contain other components.

Pigment stones in the gallbladder. These dark brown or black stones form when your bile contains too much bilirubin.

Risk factors

Factors that may increase the risk of gallstones include:

Female sex
Age 40 and over
Overweight or obese
Sedentary
Pregnancy
High fat diet
High cholesterol diet
Low fiber diet
Family history of gallstones
Diabetes
Presence of certain blood disorders such as sickle cell anemia or leukemia
Very fast weight loss
Taking medications containing estrogen, such as oral contraceptives or hormone therapy drugs.
Liver disease

Complications

Complications of gallstones may include:

Inflammation of the gallbladder . A gallstone lodged in the neck of the gallbladder can cause inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis). Cholecystitis can cause severe pain, peritonitis.

Blockage of the common bile duct . Gallstones can block the channels (ducts) that carry bile from the gallbladder or liver to the small intestine. This can lead to severe pain, jaundice, and bile duct infection.

Obstruction of the pancreatic duct . The pancreatic duct is a tube from the pancreas and joins the common bile duct just before entering the duodenum. The pancreatic juices that aid digestion pass through the pancreatic duct.

A gallstone can cause blockage of the pancreatic duct, which can lead to inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). Pancreatitis causes severe, persistent abdominal pain and usually requires hospitalization. Severe forms of pancreatitis often end in the death of the patient.

Gall bladder cancer . People with gallstones have an increased risk of developing gallbladder cancer.

Prevention of gallstones

You can reduce the risk of gallstones:

Do not skip meals . Try to stick to your regular meal times every day. Skipping meals or fasting can increase your risk of gallstones.

Lose weight slowly . If you need to lose weight, take your time. Rapid weight loss can increase the risk of gallstones.

Eat more high fiber foods . Include more fiber-rich foods in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Maintain a healthy weight . Obesity and overweight increase the risk of gallstones. Work towards a healthy weight by cutting calories and increasing physical activity. Once you reach a healthy weight, work on maintaining it by continuing to eat a healthy diet and keep exercising.

causes, symptoms and treatment at the FSCC FMBA

Gallbladder stones: causes, symptoms and treatment at the FSCC FMBA

ATTENTION! From July 16, the entrance for outpatients will change. Read more

Main page
org/ListItem”> Diseases
Gallstones

Make an appointment with a doctor
Sign up for hospitalization
Make an appointment for hospitalization

Contents

Reading time: 6 min., 7 sec.

Stones in the gallbladder (cholelithiasis) – a disease of the gallbladder, which is accompanied by the formation of stones. Stones in the bladder disrupt the process of digestion, interfere with the normal outflow of bile, and cause acute conditions such as colic.

Gallstones are solid masses of various sizes, shaped like rounded stones. They are formed during the hardening of bile, caused by an excess of cholesterol, bile salts, bilirubin.

The gallbladder is a small sac-like organ located under the liver. The main functions are the accumulation and concentration of bile.

In turn, bile is a fluid that is synthesized in the liver. Bile consists of acids, pigments, enzymes. Bile is involved in the breakdown of fats. The liver, gallbladder, duodenum and pancreas are connected by a duct system.

Types of gallstones

Cholesterol stones. Yellow-green in color. Predominantly formed in women and obese people. The share of cholesterol stones accounts for up to 80%.
Pigment stones. Black-brown in color. Formed with concomitant diseases of the liver, cirrhosis, inflammation of the bile ducts.