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Gallstone

gallstones

Gallstone

A gallstone is a common condition involving precipitated bile components in the gallbladder. It is asymptomatic, but if obstructing the bile duct, it can cause acute cholestasis, a reflexive muscle spasm, and a biliary colic, or “gallbladder attack.” This occurs in 1-4 of those with gallstones each year. Bile components like cholesterol, bile salts, and bilirubin form the stones. Symptoms can be diagnosed using ultrasound, while complications can be detected through blood tests. Maintaining a healthy weight and diet is recommended. Surgery is often recommended for gallbladder attacks, and medication can dissolve stones or lithotripsy in rare cases.

Symptoms:

  • A high temperature
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • jaundice
  • Itchy skin
  • Diarrhea
  • chills
  • Confusion
  • A loss of appetite
  • Sudden, Intense Pain: Known as biliary colic, this pain typically occurs in the upper abdomen or the right side and can last for several hours.
  • Nausea and Vomiting: Gallstone-related pain may be accompanied by feelings of nausea and vomiting.
  • Jaundice: If a gallstone blocks the bile duct, it can cause yellowing of the skin and eyes due to the accumulation of bilirubin in the bloodstream.
  • Fever and Chills: In some cases, gallstones can lead to inflammation and infection, resulting in fever and chills.

Causes:

1. Cholesterol Stones: most common and the below are the types

  • Excess Cholesterol in Bile: When there is an imbalance between the cholesterol and bile salts in the bile produced by the liver, the cholesterol can crystallize and form stones.
  • Obesity and Overweight: People who are overweight or obese are more prone to gallstone development as they tend to produce more cholesterol.
  • Rapid Weight Loss: Crash diets, fasting, or rapid weight loss regimens can lead to the liver releasing more cholesterol into the bile, increasing the risk of stone formation.
  • High-Fat Diet: Diets high in saturated fats and low in fiber can raise cholesterol levels in the bile, promoting stone formation.
  • Age and Gender: Gallstones are more common in women, especially during pregnancy, and in people over the age of 40.
  • Family History: A family history of gallstones can increase an individual’s likelihood of developing them.

2. Pigment Stones: are less common. The causes of pigment stones include:

  • Liver Conditions: Certain liver diseases, such as cirrhosis and biliary tract infections, can cause an increased production of bilirubin, leading to pigment stone formation.
  • Blood Disorders: Certain blood disorders, such as sickle cell anemia, can result in an increased breakdown of red blood cells, leading to higher levels of bilirubin and potential stone formation.
  • Biliary Tract Infections: Infections in the biliary system can alter the composition of bile, promoting pigment stone formation.

Risk factor:

1. Genetic risk factors:

  • being born female
  • being of Native American or Mexican descent
  • having a family history of gallstones
  • being 60 years or older

2. Medical risk factors:

living with cirrhosis

  • being pregnant
  • taking certain medications to lower cholesterol
  • High estrogen content medication

3.Lifestyle risk factors:

living with obesity

  • A diet high in fat or cholesterol and low in fiber
  • undergoing rapid weight loss
  • living with type 2 diabetes

Diagnosis:

  • Ultrasound. An ultrasound produces images of your abdomen. It’s the preferred imaging method to confirm that you have gallstone disease.
  • Abdominal CT scan.
  • Gallbladder radionuclide scan. A one-hour scan involves injecting a radioactive substance into veins, traveling to the liver and gallbladder, potentially revealing bile duct blockage or infection from stones.
  • Blood tests. Blood tests measure bilirubin levels and liver function, ensuring proper liver function by doctors.

Treatment:

  1. Observation (Watchful Waiting): In cases of incidental or asymptomatic gallstones, doctors may monitor the condition without immediate intervention. Regular check-ups and monitoring are recommended to prevent complications.
  2. Medications: Medications may be prescribed for gallstones to dissolve small cholesterol stones, but this method is effective only for small stones and May take months or years to achieve results. Oral administration and treatment success rates vary.
  3. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): ESWL is a non-invasive procedure using shock waves to break down gallstones into smaller fragments, allowing them to pass through bile ducts. Effective for smaller stones, it may not be suitable for all types.
  4. Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with Stone Removal is a procedure that combines endoscopy and X-ray imaging to access bile ducts and remove gallstones causing blockages.
  5. Cholecystectomy, a common treatment for gallstones, removes the gallbladder using open surgery or minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is preferred due to shorter recovery times and less scarring, and is well-tolerated and can digest food normally.

Prevention:

  1. A balanced diet low in saturated fats and cholesterol reduces gallstone risk.
  2. Gradual Weight Loss: Avoid crash diets and focus on gradual, sustainable weight loss strategies.
  3. Regular Exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight and promotes overall well-being.

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Sanyra Hospital is a leading Multi-Speciality Hospital in Kengeri Bangalore and diagnostic centre. With a commitment to providing high-quality healthcare services, it offers a wide range of medical specialties and advanced diagnostic facilities to meet the diverse healthcare needs of the community. We have dedicated urology center & dialysis center.

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