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Gallbladder Stone

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Gallbladder Stone Treatment in MRC Nagar, Chennai

The gallbladder is a small-sac like organ beneath the liver that stores and releases a fluid called bile, a greenish yellow liquid that helps in digestion.

Gallbladder stones are also called cholelithiasis.

To seek treatment, you can consult a gastroenterologist near you. You can also visit a multispeciality hospital near you.

What do we need to know about gallbladder stone?

Gallstones are solid lumps formed in the gallbladder due to deposition of waste like cholesterol and bilirubin. The existing chemicals in the gallbladder can also solidify into either one larger or several small stones. The size of a gallbladder stone can range from that of a grain to that of a golf ball. These stones block the bile duct, causing a lot of pain.

What are the types of gallstones?

  • Cholesterol gallstones : These are the most common types of gallstones. These have a yellowish green appearance and are formed of undissolved cholesterol.
  • Pigment gallstones: These are comparatively smaller and are dark brown or black in color. These are formed of undissolved bilirubin.

What are the symptoms of gallbladder stones?

  • Pain in upper belly
  • Back pain
  • Pain in right shoulder 
  • Vomiting and nausea 
  • Diarrhea 
  • Indigestion, gas and heartburn
  • Fever and chills
  • Dark urine and stool

When do you need to see a doctor?

Immediately seek medical attention in case you have serious infection or inflammation or experience symptoms like:

  • Belly pain
  • Fever and chills
  • Yellow skin or eyes
  • Dark urine and stool

You can request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, MRC Nagar, Chennai.

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment.

What causes gallstones ?

  • Too much cholesterol in the bile
  • Too much bilirubin in the  bile
  • Blockage in the bile duct causes the fluid to be concentrated

What are the risk factors associated with gallbladder stones?

  • Family history of having this condition
  • Women
  • Age above 40
  • Obesity
  • Diet rich in fat and cholesterol
  • Physically inactive
  • Pregnant women
  • Intestinal and digestive problems
  • Hemolytic anemia or cirrhosis
  • Low-fiber diet
  • Diabetes
  • Blood disorders like leukemia and anemia

What can be the complications from gallstones?

  • Gallbladder cancer
  • Acute cholangitis
  • Acute cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation)
  • Blockage in the bile duct

What are the possible treatments for gallstones?

Treatment is offered only if there is inflammation in the bladder or blockage in the bile duct or if the bile duct has slipped into the intestine. Treatment involves:

  • Ursodeoxycholic acid: it is used to dissolve cholesterol.
  • Cholecystectomy : it is a surgical removal of the gallbladder.
  • Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: it is an endoscopic surgery used to treat people who cannot be treated with  cholecystectomy and ursodeoxycholic acid.
  • Lithotripsy: ultrasonic waves are used to destroy or break the gallstones into small fragments that can pass through the stool.

You can request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, MRC Nagar, Chennai.

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment.

Conclusion

Silent gallstone does not require treatment, you can continue with your normal activities. Gallbladder stones are not harmful and are curable if treated at the right time. If delayed, you may lose your gallbladder permanently.

References

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gallstones/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354220

https://www.healthline.com/health/gallstones#symptoms

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/153981#diagnosis

How can this be prevented ?

Healthy lifestyle can lower your risk of having gallstones. Eat a healthy, fiber-rich and low-fat diet. Do regular exercise for at least 30 mins a day. Do not go for rapid weight loss regimes.

How are gallstones diagnosed?

Gallbladder stones can be detected through abdominal ultrasound, endoscopic ultrasound or through other imaging techniques like oral cholecystography, computerized tomography (CT), endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) or through blood tests that can suspect any abnormality in the gallbladder.

Which type of doctor treats gallbladder stones?

You can visit a general surgeon or a gastroenterologist for gallstone problems. You can search online for a ‘gastroenterologist near me’ .

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