Stones in gall bladder cause abdominal pain. The procedure called laparoscopic cholecysetectomy is used to removal gallbladder and comes with high success rate.
Gallbladder is a small sac-like organ in the upper right part of the abdomen. Gallstones are solid particles that are formed from bilirubin and bile cholesterol in the gallbladder. Two types of gallstones are Cholesterol stones and pigment stones. 80% of gallstones are made up of cholesterol while 20% are made up of calcium, salts, and bilirubin.
There are different factors that cause gallstones, these include: your genes, weight, problems with gallbladder, and your diet. High cholesterol is common cause behind formation of gallstones. However , in majority of patients the cause is unknown.
Gallstones can lead to pain the right upper part of abdomen frequently after you eat fried or fatty foods. The pain from gallstones generally lasts up to few hours and maybe associated with vomiting. Some of the common symptoms of gallstones are:
1) Pain abdomen
2) Nausea
3) Vomiting
4) Jaundice
5) Diarrhea
6) Indigestion
7) Burping
There are asymptomatic gallstones and are called “silent gallstones”. These are often discovered during routine ultrasound abdomen.
Acute cholecystitis: This is a medical condition when gallstones block the cystic duct where bile moves the gallbladder. This is a medical emergency and comes with symptoms like intense abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever
In addition to the physical exam, the most common diagnostic test for gallstones is ultrasound abdomen which should ideally be done in fasting state. In some cases MRCP may be required.
If gallstones are causing you pain, your doctor will recommend gallstone surgery. This is called laparoscopic gallbladder removal. Performed under general anesthesia, the procedure involves 3 to 4 incisions in the abdomen. A small lighted device is then inserted into the abdomen and then the gallbladder is carefully removed.
You can generally go home on next day of the procedure if there are no complications. We generally recommend a normal diet after surgery. However, it is desirable that you do not lift any heavy weights or do any abdominal exercises for a period of three months
Dr. Harsh Garg | Alchemist Hospital, Sector-21, Panchkula | House No.1183, Sector-7, Panchkula (Haryana) | All Rights Reserved