Gallstones are solid particles that form in the gallbladder, made from cholesterol, bile salts, or waste products, range in size—from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball.
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What Causes Gallstones?
- Hypercholesterolemia
- Imbalanced Bile Salts
- Poor Gallbladder Emptying
- Pigment Gallstones –These are made from excess bilirubin.
Who’s at Risk for Gallstones?
- Being overweight or obese
- Eating a diet high in fat or cholesterol
- Rapid weight loss
- Being female (due to hormonal changes, pregnancy, or birth control pills)
- Being over 40 years old
- A family history of gallstones
- Certain health conditions like diabetes or liver disease
What Are the Symptoms?
- Severe pain in the upper right abdomen.
- Pain that spreads to your shoulder or back
- Nausea or vomiting
- Indigestion or bloating after eating fatty foods
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes, if a stone blocks the bile flow)
How Are Gallstones Diagnosed?
- Ultrasound: This is the most common test to detect gallstones.
- Blood Tests: These helps check for signs of infection or complications like jaundice.
- CT Scan or MRI: These imaging tests can give a detailed view of the gallbladder and bile ducts.
Treatment Options for Gallstones
Watchful Waiting
If symptoms are not present, then treatment may not be necessary. However, regular check-ups can prevent hidden issues caused by gallstones.
Medication
Certain medications can dissolve cholesterol gallstones, but this option is less common and takes time.
Surgery (Cholecystectomy)
Severe pain or complications from gallstones may necessitate gallbladder removal, but the liver can still maintain a healthy lifestyle without a gallbladder.
Endoscopic Procedure
If a gallstone blocks the bile duct, an endoscopy may be used to remove it.
Types of Gallstone Surgery
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (Minimally Invasive Surgery)
Recovery for Laparoscopic Surgery:
Hospital Stay: Most people go home the same day or the day after the surgery.
Pain Management: You may have some discomfort, but it’s usually much less than with open surgery. Medications will be prescribed by your doctor.
Activity: You can usually get back to normal activities within 1-2 weeks, though you may need to avoid heavy lifting for a few weeks
Open Cholecystectomy (Traditional Surgery)
Recovery for Open Surgery:
- Hospital Stay: You may need to stay in the hospital for 2-4 days to recover.
- Pain Management: You will have more pain and discomfort after open surgery, but your doctor will give you medication to help.
- Activity: Full recovery can take 4-6 weeks. You’ll need to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities during this time.
Post-Surgery Care and Diet
- Diet: After surgery, your doctor may recommend a low-fat diet at first.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, especially during the recovery phase.
- Follow-up Appointments: You will need to visit your doctor a few weeks after surgery to make sure everything is healing well and to check for any complications.
Why Choose LifePlus Hospital?
At LifePlus Hospital, we offer:
- Advanced diagnostic tools to identify gallstones with precision.
- Expert surgeons skilled in minimally invasive gallbladder removal.
- Comprehensive care from consultation to recovery.
- A compassionate team dedicated to your well-being.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of gallstones or need more information, our specialists are here to help. Book your appointment today and take the first step towards relief and recovery.
