Gallstones

Understanding and Treating Unwanted Digestive Discomfort

Gallstones are hardened deposits of cholesterol, bilirubin, or a combination of both that form in your gallbladder, a small organ located just beneath your liver. These stones can range in size from a grain of sand to a golf ball and often go unnoticed. However, when a gallstone blocks a bile duct, it can cause significant pain and discomfort.

Symptoms

While gallstones may not cause any symptoms at all, if a gallstone blocks a bile duct, you may experience:

Sudden and intense pain in the upper right abdomen or upper right back, just below your shoulder blade. This pain may last for minutes or hours.
Nausea and vomiting
Loss of appetite
Indigestion
Feeling bloated or full, especially after eating a fatty meal

Causes

Several factors can contribute to gallstone formation:

Excess cholesterol: If your bile contains too much cholesterol, it can solidify and form stones.
Bilirubin imbalance: High levels of bilirubin in your bile can also promote gallstone formation. This can occur due to certain liver diseases or blood disorders.
Slowed bile movement: If bile doesn't empty from your gallbladder regularly, it can become concentrated and more likely to form stones.

01 Risk Factors

Certain factors increase your risk of developing gallstones, including:

Female sex: Women are more prone to gallstones than men.
Age: The risk of gallstones increases with age.
Family history: Having a family member with gallstones raises your risk.
Obesity: Being overweight or obese is a significant risk factor.
Rapid weight loss: Losing weight quickly can increase your risk.
High-cholesterol diet: A diet high in saturated fat and cholesterol can contribute to gallstones.
Certain medical conditions: Diabetes, pregnancy, and certain medications may increase your risk.

02 Diagnosis

Diagnosing gallstones often involves a combination of tests, including:

Medical history and physical exam: Your doctor will discuss your symptoms and risk factors.
Ultrasound: This painless imaging test uses sound waves to create a picture of your gallbladder and bile ducts.
Cholescintigraphy (HIDA scan): This radioactive imaging test checks how well your gallbladder functions.
CT scan: In some cases, a CT scan may be used to get a more detailed view of your gallbladder and surrounding organs.

Treatment

CT scan: In some cases, a CT scan may be used to get a more detailed view of your gallbladder and surrounding organs.

Cholecystectomy: This is the surgical removal of your gallbladder. It is the most common treatment for symptomatic gallstones and is usually performed laparoscopically (using a minimally invasive technique).
Dissolution therapy: In some cases, medication may be used to dissolve cholesterol gallstones. However, this is not a common treatment option.
Ercholangioplasty or stent placement: If a gallstone blocks a bile duct outside the gallbladder, procedures to open the duct or place a stent (a small tube) may be necessary.

How Gastro Experts Can Help:

At Gastro Experts, our gastroenterologists have extensive experience diagnosing and treating gallstones. We understand the pain and disruption gallstones can cause and are committed to providing you with the best possible care.

We can help you:

Understand your individual risk factors for gallstones.
Diagnose gallstones accurately using advanced diagnostic procedures
Discuss treatment options and recommend the best course of action for your specific case.
Perform minimally invasive surgery to remove your gallbladder, if necessary.
Provide comprehensive post-surgical care and support.

Schedule an appointment

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of gallstones, contact Gastro Experts today. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications and ensure a smoother recovery.

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Gallstones

Gallstones

Understanding and Treating Unwanted Digestive Discomfort

Symptoms

Causes

Several factors can contribute to gallstone formation:

01

Risk Factors

02

Diagnosis

Treatment

How Gastro Experts Can Help:

We can help you:

Schedule an appointment

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