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Signs and Symptoms of Gallstones
In most cases (75%), gallstones show no signs or symptoms. The major symptoms of this disorder may include;
- If the bile duct becomes contaminated, the affected may experience pain and high fever
- Vomiting
- Jaundice
- Experiencing abdominal pain after consuming a fatty meal
- Infrequent but severe pain in the back and abdomen
- Bloating or gaseous distension
- Flatulent dyspepsia
- Pancreatitis
Types of Gallstones
In general, there are three types of gallstones affecting humans.
- Pigment stones – the formation of particular pigments in the bile makes the bile juice look greenish-brown in color. Pigment stones are generally small but formed in abundance
- Cholesterol stones – cholesterol stones are generally large in size which is capable of blocking the bile ducts. They are made from cholesterol
- Mixed stones – mixed stones are the most common types of gallstones that form in our gallbladder. The mixed stones are made up of salts and cholesterol and they tend to develop in batches
Diagnosis of Gallstones
Doctors at RG Stone will perform certain tests for diagnosing gallstones
- General tests include x-rays and physical examination
- Ultrasound
- Hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scan
- Endoscope test
- Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)
- Urine – microscopy
- Complete blood count
- Blood sugar
- Lipid profile
Gallstones Treatment
Usually, gallstones that show no signs or symptoms don’t require any medical attention. However in certain cases, if you are at high risk of stone complications, the doctors may remove your gallbladder. The treatment is followed considering the location and size of the gallstones. It includes:
- Gallbladder stones surgery
- Medications for naturally dissolving the stones. Only prescribed in rare cases as the patient might be exposed to side effects
- Lithotripsy treatment for breaking down the stones into sand-like particles using sound waves
- Cholecystectomy – keyhole surgery
- Laparotomy – open surgery
- Dietary modifications
Surgical Removal of the Gallbladder Stones
The majority of the affected will require gallbladder stone removal surgery. The doctors may remove the stones from your bile ducts or the entire gallbladder, depend on the infection.
Gall Bladder Stone Removal Surgery Techniques
- Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (Keyhole Surgery) –
In this surgery technique, the surgeon makes small cuts (incisions) through the patient’s skin for accessing a range of tools and instruments. In this keyhole surgery technique, the surgeon uses one of the incisions to remove the gallbladder.
- Laparotomy (Open Surgery) –
In this surgery technique, the surgeon makes a wide abdominal incision to reach the gallbladder. You may be prone to open surgery if you have scarring due to bleeding disorder or from prior operations.
The doctors prescribe their patients to undergo Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy surgery instead of open surgery due to a number of reasons. Some of them include:
- You will not be required for a longer hospital stay after the surgery. Maximum 24 hours
- The blood transfusion required is minimum to negligible
- Your body will attain no long scars
- There is less risk of a hernia
- Quick recovery
If you are patient with heart disease, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar, Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy is recommended
