What is Gall Stones?
Piles
Gall Stones are hardened deposits that form in the gall bladder. This is also known as cholelithiasis. The gall bladder is a small organ that is seen on the right side of the abdomen, underneath the liver. The gall bladder stores the bile that is released to the small intestine. Bile is a fluid produced by the liver that helps with digestion. Such digestive fluids can get hardened and deposited in the gall bladder. These are called gallstones. The size of a gallstone can range from being minute to being as large as a golf ball. People who have gallstones will have to get surgery to get rid of them.
Cholecystectomy
The best way to treat gallstones is surgery. There are two types of surgery that are performed to treat gallstones. Namely, laparoscopic cholecystectomy and open cholecystectomy. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a medical procedure in which the health care professional makes a small incision on the abdomen of the patient and inserts a laparoscope through it. The laparoscope contains a light and a camera. With the help of the laparoscope, the gall bladder is cut and taken out through another small incision.
- PROCEDURE NAME : Cholecystectomy
- SURGERY TYPE: Minimally Invasive LASER
- HOSPITALIZATION: No Hospitalization
- SURGERY DURATION: 30 minutes
- ANAESTHESIA:Spinal Block / General Anaesthesia
- FULL RECOVERY: 3 - 4 days
TREATMENTS
Diagnosis
The doctor will make the patient under a physical examination to diagnose gallstones. However, just a physical examination might not suffice, so the medical professional will order tests such as blood tests to check if there is an infection or blockage. Ultrasounds are ordered to get the images inside the body. CT scans and MRIs are done to closely observe the condition of the gall bladder. A HIDA scan is done to see if the patient’s gall bladder has been squeezing correctly. An ERCP is done to see the bile ducts clearly. This will also remove any stone that has been blocking the duct.
Surgery
In most cases, no treatment is required for gallstones, as they don’t cause any symptoms. Often times the patient is oblivious to the existence of these gall stones. However, if the gall stones are problematic and cause severe symptoms, the person might have to undergo surgery. In the majority of the cases, the patient will have their gall bladder removed. It is possible to live without a gall bladder and digest food. However, if the patient is not suitable for surgery because of health conditions or general poor health, then the medical practitioner will prescribe medications such as Chenodiol and ursodiol to dissolve the stones The best way to treat gallstones is surgery. There are two types of surgery that are performed to treat gallstones. Namely, laparoscopic cholecystectomy and open cholecystectomy. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a medical procedure in which the health care professional makes a small incision on the abdomen of the patient and inserts a laparoscope through it. The laparoscope contains a light and a camera. With the help of the laparoscope, the gall bladder is cut and taken out through another small incision. In an Open cholecystectomy, a larger incision is made on the abdomen of the patient, and the gall bladder is cut out. The patient will have to remain in the hospital for a few days after the operation. If there are gall stones blocking the bile duct the medical professional will do an ERCP to find the stones and remove them before or during the surgery.
Causes
- Chronic constipation
- Painful bowel movements
- Nausia
Symptoms
- Discomfort while sitting
- Swelling & Itching
- Painful bowel movements
- Excessive Bleeding
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I avoid gallstones?
The best way would be to have a healthy diet and avoid fried and fatty food items.
What causes gallstones?
Mainly, gallstones are caused when the liver secretes too much cholesterol that cannot be dissolved by bile. It also happens when the liver produces an excess amount of bilirubin.
Are gallstones painful?
Not all gallstones are painful. However, when gallstones become problematic, they can cause intense pain to the person.
What is the treatment for gallstones?
In most cases, surgery is advised and the entire gall bladder is cut out. If the person is not suitable for surgery, certain medications are prescribed.
