All about Gallstones and its treatment
Overview
The gall bladder is a pear-shaped organ located below the liver. The gall bladder also helps to store bile, a fluid that aids in digestion and in particular, fat digestion. Sometimes, stone-like objects may form in the bile ducts or gallbladder. These stone-like objects are known as gallstones and are formed from bilirubin or cholesterol.
Accumulation of cholesterol in bile often triggers the formation of gallstones. They may also block your bile ducts, thereby resulting in the development of sudden pain. If this happens, it is important that you receive urgent medical attention to have the gallstones removed. Otherwise, gallstones may lead to complications, including an inflamed gallbladder. Gallstones rarely cause any symptoms.
Gallstones are a common medical condition in the Indian population, with an estimated prevalence of 10 and 20 percent. Some of the risk factors for the development of gallstones in the Indian population include the consumption of fats, proteins, and calories. This impacts cholesterol levels in the bile. Additionally, leading a sedentary lifestyle, use of oral contraceptive pills, genetics, and obesity also increases the risk of the formation of gallstones.
Gallstones are predominantly treated through a surgical procedure. Your doctor may also need to remove the gallbladder, depending on the severity of the condition. It is important that you get a proper and timely diagnosis not only to avoid complications but to receive the most effective treatment for the condition.
Causes of gallstones
The actual cause of gallstones remains unclear to the medical experts. However, doctors have identified several situations that may trigger the development of gallstones:
High cholesterol levels in your bile: Bile is important in the human body, as it helps dissolve cholesterol. However, in the case of extra cholesterol in your bile, there is a risk that it could form crystals. With time, the cholesterol crystals turn into stones.
Excessive bilirubin in bile: Too much bilirubin in the bile can be triggered by several conditions, such as an infection or cirrhosis. Blood disorders may also trigger your liver to generate bilirubin in large quantities
Failure of the gallbladder to fully empty: If your gall bladder fails to empty, there is the risk of bile being highly concentrated. This might trigger the development of gallstones.
The following risk factors will also predispose you to gallstones:
- A history of gallstones that runs in your family
- Women are highly prone to gallstones than men
- Gallstones are common in adults aged 40 and above
- Obesity
- Lack of physical exercise
- Consumption of a diet low in dietary fiber but high in cholesterol and fat
- Women who have undergone hormone replacement therapy or are on birth control pills are also predisposed to gallstones
- Chronic conditions such as diabetes
- Pregnancy
- Crohn’s disease and other intestinal conditions
What are the symptoms of gallstones?
Most gallstones are asymptomatic. However, in the case of a gallstone that is lodged inside a duct, it will result in blockage. When this happens, you are likely to manifest the following signs and symptoms:
- Sudden pain in your right upper right abdomen. The pain starts quickly but also increases in intensity very rapidly
- You are also likely to experience pain beneath your breastbone. The pain may also be evident around the center of your abdomen, Again, this pain comes without prior warning. Such pain also tends to intensify very quickly
- Nausea and vomiting
- Chest pain
- Jaundice where your eyes and skin develop a yellow colouration
- Pain around your right shoulder
Pain is usually the predominant symptom in people who have gallstones. Such pain steadily increases in intensity. It may last about 15 minutes or even for a few hours for some patients. The pain might reduce for a few hours and then resume
Gallstones may also cause problems in your digestive system, such as heartburn and indigestion
The following signs are indicative of inflammation or serious infection for which you will need to see your doctor immediately:
- In case you develop chills and fever
- In case your urine and poop have a dark colour to it
- Jaundice in your eyes and skin
- In case abdominal pains persist for several hours
Diagnosing gallstones
For a proper diagnosis of gallstones, your doctor will conduct a physical examination. Part of the physical examination includes checking your skin and eyes to determine if there is any colouration. This is an indication of jaundice. In this case, jaundice is sufficient proof that the bilirubin levels in your body are too high. Additionally, the doctor will also take your medical and family history.
Other tests that might be needed are:
Ultrasound: The test involves the use of high-frequency sound waves to detect gallstones. The test is both accurate and painless. However, an ultrasound will not give a very clear view of the bile duct. While stones rarely develop in the bile duct, they cannot be completely ruled out. Moreover, an ultrasound can reveal abnormalities linked to acute cholecystitis.
In case your doctor suspects stones in your bile duct, you may need to undergo the following tests:
Magnetic endoscopic ultrasound: This is a procedure that integrates ultrasound with endoscopy. Your doctor will pass a scope with a probe attached to it via your mouth and push it down the bile duct. This allows the doctor to have a better view of your bile duct
Magnetic resonance imaging: The test involves the use of radio waves to get clearer images of your bile duct
Blood tests: Such tests enable your doctor to determine the levels of bilirubin in the blood. Additionally, blood tests are a useful indicator of the level of functionality of your liver
How do we treat gallstones?
If your gallstones do not cause any symptoms, you may not require any treatment. In the case of small gallstones, these are usually passed through the body unaided. In case you have gallstones but do not show any symptoms, the following home remedies would be helpful:
- Make it a habit to exercise regularly
- Make dietary and lifestyle adjustments to reduce your weight, in case you are obese
- The inclusion of nutritional supplements such as lecithin, Vitamin C, and iron in your diet is also helpful. A few studies have established that lecithin and Vitamin C helps to reduce the risk of gallstones.
The surgical removal of gallstones is often the most effective treatment for gallstones. Sometimes, your surgeon may feel it is necessary to also remove your gallbladder. You can digest food properly even without your gallbladder.
After a confirmatory test for gallstones, your doctor will keep you informed of the various surgical treatments available at our facility. The surgeon will also discuss the benefits and risks of these procedures.
The surgeon will make a recommendation for the most suitable procedure, based on your condition. We will assist you in booking an appointment for the procedure. Additionally, we will make arrangements to have you picked from home to the healthcare facility in one of our hospital vans, before the surgery.
Some of the surgical procedures to treat gallstones include:
- Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: The procedure is conducted under general anesthesia. During the procedure, your surgeon makes a few incisions in your abdomen, usually about 3 or 4. The surgeon inserts a thin lighted device via one of the incisions. The device allows the surgeon to remove your gallbladder. The procedure is simple with no complications involved. Usually, the patient gets released a few hours following the procedure. However, your surgeon must first ascertain that the procedure was successful. Removal of your gallbladder causes watery or loose stool. The goal of this surgery is to ensure that bile does not find its way into your gallbladder. You are likely to develop diarrhea due to the laxative effects of less concentrated bile.
- Nonsurgical treatment: Advances in technology have seen the adoption of robotic techniques and laparoscopy has gained immense popularity. This is because such procedures carry with them limited risk. Nonetheless, you may not be in a position to undergo surgery, possibly due to other health complications.
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Laser treatment: This is a relatively new procedure using laser technology to remove the gall bladder. Your surgeon will also need to make an incision on the abdomen to remove the gallbladder and seal the incision. The procedure is safe and fast and recovery is quick. This is because it is minimally invasive with no blood loss.
Also, if the size of the gallstones is too small, your doctor may not find it necessary for you to undergo surgery. In such a situation, your doctor will often prescribe medication that will assist in dissolving gallstones. One such medication is ursodiol. The prescription is usually 2-4 times daily.
One of the limitations of medication in the treatment of gallstones is that you may have to use drugs for several years before your gallstones get dissolved and eliminated. Additionally, there is the risk of more gallstones forming, the moment you stop taking the medication.
Post-op care and diet
All surgical procedures are characterized by a certain level of risk. Some of the complications that might accompany surgery to remove gallstones include infection and internal bleeding. Bile might also leak into your abdominal cavity.
Laser surgery is often recommended because it helps rule out such complications. If you undergo laser surgery, you will most likely get discharged on the same day of the procedure. We will take care of the logistics of discharge from the hospital and transportation back home in one of our hospital vans.
Our post-op guidelines to help patients recover faster are as follows:
- Get enough rest between two and five days after the surgery.
- Make sure you do not engage in any activities that involve physical exertion.
- Avoid lifting heavy objects.
- It might take several days before your digestive system settles down. During this period, you are likely to experience abdominal pains and bloating. Your toilet habits may also change. This is very normal after gallbladder surgery. Your doctor may prescribe medication to relieve such pain.
- Your surgeon may also recommend a post-surgery appointment to check if the procedure went well and you are healing properly. It is important that you honor this appointment. We will also send you reminders on the same, either via SMS o, email or phone call.
- Increase your intake of fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Such foods assist with your bowel movement. Avoid high-fat foods such as dairy products as they can induce diarrhea. Increase your daily intake of water to about 6-8 glasses. This will further aid smooth bowel movement.
The presence of gallstones can cause extreme abdominal pain or acute cholecystitis. Surgery is by far the best solution for gallstones. Left untreated, gallstones can pose a huge problem. Pancreatitis is a worse complication of gallstones. In extreme cases, untreated gallstones can cause sepsis that can be fatal.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the preferred and recommended procedure at Bangalore hospitals for the removal of the gallbladder. There are many advantages of using this approach to relieve patients suffering from gallstones.
Benefits of this form of surgery are:
- Reduced scarring
- Lower chances of incisional pain
- Reduced hospitalization time
- Quick recovery
- Better wound healing
- Lesser chances of infection
How can goficure help with the treatment of gallstones for patients in Bangalore?
goficure is already teamed up with leading laparoscopic surgeons in Bangalore performing this procedure for gallstones. Having already facilitated the complete procedure for many patients from diagnosis to cure, we are well equipped to start the process of complete healthcare for your gallstones. Instead of losing time researching for the best hospitals or specialists, that offer surgery at optimum costs, goficure can begin the care immediately.
Features of goficure care in Bangalore:
- Fast track appointment with a renowned laparoscopic surgeon
- Assisting quicker diagnosis
- Slotting the surgery
- Offering complete assistance and support during the surgery
- Handling the logistics of transportation during admission and discharge
- Processing insurance claims
- Tracking post-operative care and fixing appointments with specialist after surgery
- Nutrition advise and recovery plan
We specialize in complete personalized care solutions for gallbladder stones from diagnosis to recovery, all under one banner – goficure.
Exclusive features you get with goficure
1. Dedicated Medi-Pal
A dedicated Medi-Pal is assigned to you. Your Medi-Pal will be your one point contact throughout the treatment and post-op period. They will always be available for you
2. Quick doctor’s appointments
After understanding your concerns, your Medi-Pal will schedule your consultation with a specialist doctor. Your doctor will carry out necessary tests and advise the course of treatment
3. Hassle-free treatment
If you opt to get the surgery done, goficure will take care of it completely. Right from booking your surgery, claiming your insurance to being with you throughout the procedure, your Medi-Pal will do it all
4. Post-op recovery support
Your Medi-Pal would ensure quick recovery. This includes booking your follow up consultations and helping you with doctor-recommended steps for diet & exercise
Guarantees
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Why Goficure?
Specialist doctors
Our doctors are vetted for their experience and skills. Rest assured, you are in safe hands. The best treatment for your condition is delivered all the time
Medi-Pal assistance
A dedicated Medi-Pal is assigned to take care of the entire process. This includes booking your appointments, scheduling the surgery, handling your documentation including claiming insurance, discharge, and post-op recovery
Affordability
Goficure delivers high-quality treatment to you at affordable prices. Superior treatment and best quality of service is assured while keeping costs reasonable
Post procedure care and follow-ups
Our engagement doesn't end after your surgery. It continue until you go back to your normal life. Free diet and exercise consultations during your recovery phase are offered to ensure a quick recovery
Comparison
With so many options, are you wondering what the right choice for your condition is? While you can opt for either an open surgery or a laser surgery, numerous studies have shown that laser surgeries are far more effective. Be it the duration of the procedure, post-operative pain or recovery time, laser surgeries always outrank open surgeries and are therefore, a better choice. Here is a quick comparison that will help you decide your course of action.
What you don’t undergo with goficure
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2. Lack of personalized attention
3. Excessive billing/hidden charges
4. Running around for your treatment
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