Gallbladder Stone

Gallbladder Stone  Treatment & Diagnostics in Karol Bagh, Delhi

Gallbladder Stone

The gallbladder is a small-sac-like organ beneath the liver that stores and releases a fluid called bile, a greenish-yellow liquid that helps in digestion.

Gallbladder stones are also called cholelithiasis.

To seek treatment, you can consult a gastroenterologist near you. You can also visit a multispeciality hospital near you.

What do we need to know about gallbladder stones?

Gallstones are solid lumps formed in the gall bladder due to the deposition of waste like cholesterol and bilirubin. The existing chemicals in the gall bladder can also solidify into either one larger or several small stones. The size of a gall bladder stone can range from that of grain to that of a golf ball. These stones block the bile duct, causing a lot of pain.

What are the types of gallstones?

• Cholesterol gallstones: These are the most common types of gallstones. They have a yellowish-green appearance and are formed from undissolved cholesterol.
• Pigment gallstones: These are comparatively smaller and are dark brown or black in color. These are formed from undissolved bilirubin.

What are the symptoms of gall bladder stones?

The symptoms of gall bladder stones include the following:

• Pain in the upper belly
• Back pain
• Pain in the right shoulder
• Vomiting and nausea 
• Diarrhea
• Indigestion, gas, and heartburn
• Fever and chills
• Dark urine and stool

When do you need to see a doctor?

Immediately seek medical attention in case you have serious infection or inflammation or experience symptoms, such as the following:

• Belly pain
• Fever and chills
• Yellow skin or eyes
• Dark urine and stool

Request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Karol Bagh, New Delhi

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment

What causes gallstones?

• Too much cholesterol in the bile
• Too much bilirubin in the bile
• Blockage in the bile duct causes the fluid to be concentrated

What are the risk factors that may lead to gall bladder stones?

The following risk factors are typically associated with gall bladder stones:

• Family history of having this condition
• Women
• Age above 40
• Obesity
• Diet-rich in fat and cholesterol
• Physically inactive
• Pregnant women
• Intestinal and digestive problems
• Hemolytic anemia or cirrhosis
• Low-fiber diet
• Diabetes
• Blood disorders like leukemia and anemia

What can be the complications from gallstones?

Gall stones may cause the following complications and hence should be paid attention.

• Gallbladder cancer
• Acute cholangitis
• Acute cholecystitis (gall bladder inflammation)
• Blockage in the bile duct

What are the possible treatments for gallstones?

Treatment is offered only if there is inflammation in the bladder or blockage in the bile duct or if the bile duct has slipped into the intestine. The treatment involves:

• Ursodeoxycholic acid: It is used to dissolve cholesterol.
• Cholecystectomy: It is the surgical removal of the gallbladder.
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: It is an endoscopic surgery used to treat people who cannot be treated with cholecystectomy and ursodeoxycholic acid.
• Lithotripsy: Ultrasonic waves are used to destroy or break the gallstones into small fragments that can pass through the stool.

You can request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Karol Bagh, New Delhi.

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment.

Conclusion

A silent gallstone does not require treatment, you can continue with your normal activities. Gall bladder stones are not harmful and are curable if treated at the right time. However, if delayed, you may need to have your gall bladder removed permanently.