Gallbladder stones also known as gallstone are small, hard deposits that form in the gallbladder a pear-shaped organ just beneath your liver. The gallbladder’s role is to store bile, a digestive fluid that breaks down fats, made by the liver from what we eat. Gallstones form when there are too many great solid particles from substances that make up bile.
Gallstones could be so petite as a grain of sand or much larger than a golf ball. For some, it’s a singular stone; for others, there are multiples. Although gallstones may be asymptomatic, they can obstruct the bile ducts causing pain and other severe complications.
Types of Gallstones
Gallstones are primarily of two types:
Cholesterol gallstones : These are the most common type, formed when there is excess cholesterol in bile. The most common type of gallstones, cholesterol gallstones are usually yellow-green.
Pigment Gallstones — These are smaller, dark stones developed from excess bilirubin in the bile. Bilirubin is a substance made when red blood cells break down. People with cirrhosis, biliary tract infections or blood disorders develop more pigment stones.
Signs you may have Gallbladder Stones
Some people with gallstones never have symptoms. In fact, lots of individuals would have “quiet” gallstones Nevertheless the stones may possibly be present but they are not producing any distress or trouble. But when a stone obstructs one of the bile ducts, it causes biliary colic or gallstone attack painful condition. A gallstone attack can cause symptoms, such as:
If you develop sudden, stabbing pain in the right upper abdomen or the center of the abdomen
Pain Between the Shoulder Blades or In the Right Shoulder
Nausea and vomiting
Jaundice: If a gallstone obstructs a bile duct, it may result in the accumulation of bile within the liver and cause jaundice-a yellowing effect seen in both skin and eyes.
Chills And Fever — If the patient has a fever and pain in the stomach, there might be an infection of the gallbladder (cholecystitis), which is a serious condition.
Changes in the color of stool or urine: If bile duct gets blocked, the stools may appear pale or clay-colored, while the person may pass dark urine.
If you experience any of these symptoms, especially severe abdominal pain, fever, or yellowing of your skin and eyes (jaundice), please seek medical attention immediately.
Diagnosis of Gallstones
Your provider will usually begin with a physical exam and medical history if gallstones are suspected. Even if you have some telltale signs, they may suggest imaging tests to determine the diagnosis such as:
Ultrasound– The more common test used to detect gallstones. This uses sound waves to visualize the gallbladder and look for stones.
CT Scan: This test may be performed if the ultrasound results are inconclusive, or your doctor feels there could be a complication like infection or inflammation.
HIDA Scan — Using a small amount of radioactive material injected into the vein, this scan (also called a cholescintigraphy) tracks the movement of bile through the gallbladder.
Treatment of gallstones
Gallstones treatment is based on the symptoms intensity and whether there are complications caused or not. Your doctor may suggest watchful waiting if you have “silent” gallstones that aren’t causing problems at this time. But if you have symptoms or complications, treatment can include:
Lifestyle Changes and Diet
Dietary Changes: A good diet may assist in symptomatic relief of gallstones, as well as lowering the likelihood of more stones. Eating a diet that is high in fiber, fruits, vegetables and whole grains and low in fat may help to prevent gallstones from coming back in the future. Not eating big fatty meals much likely can help you avoid post-meal discomfort.
Weight Loss Over a Long-Term: Drastic weight loss may be linked to gallstones, so weight loss needs to be done in a gradual manner.
Medications
Bile Acid Pills — In select cases, bile acids are prescribed to dissolve cholesterol gallstones (ex: ursodeoxycholic acid). However, this works with tiny stones only and may take months to years.
Surgical Removal of the Gallbladder (Cholecystectomy)
Cholecystectomy (Surgical Removal of the Gallbladder): The main treatment for symptomatic gallstones is surgical removal of the gallbladder. It is usually achieved through a minimally invasive surgical technique (laparoscopy) utilizing small incisions with the use of a camera for the surgery. Most people bounce back swiftly and are able to go on living their normal lives without a gallbladder.
Open Cholecystectomy — If there are complications or the surgery is more complicated, rare cases will need to convert to an open cholecystectomy. This requires a bigger cut and recovery takes longer.
Non-Surgical Options
Shock Wave Lithotripsy — This technique utilizes sound waves to disintegrate gallstones into smaller fragments. Although it is only utilized in select scenarios where surgery is not a possibility.
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): If a bile duct is obstructed by gallstones, an ERCP can be performed to clear them away or place a stent into the duct to maintain patency. So this operation is mostly done with surgery or other treatments.
When to See a Doctor
If you do have symptoms related to gallstones — such as intense abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting or jaundice — please see a physician. If it helps detect early disease and treat the condition to prevent complications such as inflammation or infection in the biliary tract.
Outlook
The gallbladder can be removed and most people with gallstones can have a normal life after that. Although gallstones can cause pain and discomfort, they can be treated effectively and most people have a full recovery after surgery. If you have gallstones but they are not causing any symptoms, managing the condition may simply require monitoring and changes in lifestyle.
Summary
Although gallstones are a common condition and may not necessarily need undergoing treatment, they can cause considerable pain and other complications if you leave them unattended. With more information about the causes, symptoms and treatment options, you can take proactive measures to manage the condition and improve your quality of life. If you think that you might have gallstones, speak with your healthcare provider to determine the best solution for you.