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Gallstones

What Are Gallstones?

Gallstones are solid particles that form in the gallbladder, a small organ located under the liver. The gallbladder stores bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver. Gallstones can range in size from tiny grains to large stones, and they can block the bile ducts, causing pain and complications. There are two main types of gallstones:

Cholesterol Gallstones: The most common type, formed when bile contains too much cholesterol.

Pigment Gallstones: Formed when there is an excess of bilirubin in the bile, often due to liver disease or blood disorders.

Symptoms of Gallstones

Many people with gallstones do not experience symptoms, but when a stone blocks the bile duct, it can cause significant discomfort. Common symptoms include:

Sudden and Intense Pain: Sharp pain in the upper right abdomen or center of the abdomen, often lasting from a few minutes to several hours.

Back or Shoulder Pain: Pain that radiates to the back or right shoulder.

Nausea or Vomiting: Digestive upset, often accompanied by severe abdominal pain.

Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin or eyes, indicating a blockage of the bile duct.

Fever: A sign of infection if the gallbladder becomes inflamed.

Causes and Risk Factors​

Gallstones develop when there is an imbalance in the substances that make up bile. Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing gallstones, including:

Obesity: Excess body weight can increase cholesterol levels in bile, leading to gallstone formation.

High-Fat Diet: Diets high in fat or cholesterol contribute to gallstone development.

Rapid Weight Loss: Losing weight too quickly can cause an imbalance in bile, leading to gallstones.

Age and Gender: Gallstones are more common in people over 40 and more prevalent in women.

Family History: A family history of gallstones increases the risk of developing them.

Diagnosing Gallstones

Diagnosing gallstones typically begins with a physical examination and may include:

Ultrasound: The most common test used to detect gallstones in the gallbladder or bile ducts.

CT Scan or MRI: Imaging tests that provide a detailed view of the gallbladder and bile ducts.

Blood Tests: Used to check for signs of infection, inflammation, or liver issues.

Treatments for Gallstones

At Texas Advanced Surgical & Bariatrics, treatment for gallstones depends on the severity of symptoms and the size of the stones. Options include:

Watchful Waiting: For asymptomatic gallstones, no immediate treatment may be necessary, but monitoring is recommended.

Medications: In some cases, medications may be prescribed to dissolve cholesterol gallstones over time, though this approach is less common.

Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal): The most common treatment for gallstones, this surgery involves the removal of the gallbladder. Minimally invasive techniques, including laparoscopic and robotic surgery, allow for faster recovery, smaller incisions, and less post-operative pain.

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): A procedure used to remove gallstones from the bile ducts when they cause blockages.

What Happens If Left Untreated?​

If gallstones block the bile ducts or cause complications, it can lead to more severe conditions, including:

Cholecystitis: Inflammation of the gallbladder, which can lead to infection.

Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas due to blockage of the pancreatic duct.

Jaundice: Blocked bile ducts can lead to jaundice, characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes.

Gallbladder Rupture: In rare cases, untreated gallstones can cause the gallbladder to rupture, which is a medical emergency.

Schedule a Consultation

If you suspect you have gallstones or have been diagnosed with gallstones and are considering surgery, our team at Texas Advanced Surgical & Bariatrics is here to help. We offer personalized treatment plans using the latest minimally invasive techniques for gallbladder removal.

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