Gallstones
On this page, you will find everything you need to know about gallstones.
What are gallstones?
Gallstones are hard, pebble-like lumps of varying sizes that form in the gallbladder (the gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ on the right side of the abdomen, below the liver, where bile is stored and concentrated. Bile is a greenish-yellow fluid mainly involved in digesting fats and converting them into fatty acids, allowing the body to utilize them. These stones can cause blockages in the bile duct.
- There are three types of gallstones:
- Cholesterol stones, which are yellow and green, are mostly made up of undissolved cholesterol.
- Pigment stones, which are dark and composed of bilirubin.
Mixed stones, which consist of cholesterol stones, pigment stones, and calcium salts.
What are the symptoms of gallstones?
- Gallstones usually do not cause symptoms. However, if one blocks the bile duct, it may cause:
- Abdominal pain (biliary colic), which typically lasts from one to five hours, or may last just a few minutes.
- Pain in the middle of the abdomen,the right side, or the shoulder..
- Nausea.
- Fatigue..
- Vomiting.
- Fever.
- Rapid heartbeat..
- Jaundice.
- Chills.
- Loss of appetite.
- Changes in urine color.
Changes in stool color (light-colored stools).
What causes gallstones?
- Gallstones form due to an imbalance in the chemical composition of bile. This imbalance may result from high cholesterol levels, excess bilirubin, or inadequate amounts of salts in the bile. These chemical imbalances lead to the formation of small crystals in the bile, which gradually grow into varying-sized solid stones. Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing gallstones, such as:
- Gender: Women are more likely than men to develop gallstones.
- Age: 40 years or older.
- Family history: A family history of gallstones increases your risk.
Certain medications.
How are gallstones diagnosed?:
- The doctor takes a medical history and performs a physical examination, and may order additional procedures as needed, such as:
- Laboratorytests:
- Blood tests to ensure there are no infections and to check liver function. (CT Scan).
- CT scan. (Ultrasound Scan).
- Ultrasound scan. (MRI).
- MRI.ERCP).
Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).
What are the treatments for gallstones?
- Gallstones are generally not treated unless symptoms are present. When symptoms occur, several procedures or necessary interventions may be considered, including:
- – Surgery:
- Gallbladder removal, as a person can live normally without it.
- There are two types of gallbladder surgeries:
- Laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
- Gallbladder removal, as a person can live normally without it.
- – Surgery:
- Open cholecystectomy.
- – Non-surgical treatments:
- Lithotripsy (shock wave treatment to break up stones).ERCP).
- ERCP to remove stones.
Medications to dissolve gallstones.
- How can gallstones be prevented?
- Lose weight if you are overweight or obese.
- Make dietary changes:
- Limit intake of foods high in saturated fats.
- Increase consumption of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Maintain regular physical activity.
- What are the complications of gallstones?
- Cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder).
- Cholangitis (inflammation of the bile ducts, which carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder and the duodenum).
Pancreatitis.
When should you see a doctor?
- If you have any signs or symptoms of gallstones, such as:
- Severe abdominal pain lasting more than 8 hours..
- Fever.
- Jaundice.
Changes in urine color and pale-colored stools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can gallstones be removed without surgery?
Yes, but in very rare and specific cases, such as if you have cholesterol stones and a health condition that precludes surgery.
Do gallstones need to be removed once detected, even if not inflamed?
