What is Gallstone?
The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ located on the right side of the abdomen, just below the liver. It stores bile fluid which is produced in the liver. Bile fluid contains water, proteins, fats, cholesterol, bile salts, and bile pigments, which aid in the digestion of food. The gall bladder releases bile fluid into the intestine through the common bile duct following the ingestion of food.
An imbalance in the components that form bile can lead to the formation of gallstones. Gallstones are small, hard deposits that form inside the gallbladder. The size of the gallstone can range from a small grain of sand to a large golf ball.
Gallstones are of two types:
- Cholesterol stones: These are yellowish-green in color and chiefly made up of hardened cholesterol.
- Pigment stones: These are dark and small, usually present in numbers and primarily made of bilirubin, a yellowish bile pigment.
In some cases, a mix of both gallstone types can be seen.
Causes of Gallstones
The exact cause of gallstones is not clear. However, gallstones can form due to increased amounts of cholesterol or bilirubin; or inadequate emptying of the gallbladder.
Risk Factors of Gallstones
The risk factors that increase the chance of having gallstones include:
- Pregnant women and women taking birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy
- Elderly people (>60 years)
- Genetic factors & family history of gallstones
- Ethnic background, esp. native Americans and Mexican-Americans
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Rapid weight loss
- Use of cholesterol-lowering drugs
Signs and Symptoms of Gallstones
- Pain in the upper abdomen, upper back, and between the shoulder blades; lasting for several hours
- Nausea & Vomiting
- High fever with chills
- Yellowing of skin and eyes
- Other gastrointestinal problems such as bloating, indigestion, and heartburn
Complications of Gallstones
The complications of gallstones include:
- Blockage of the common bile duct leading to jaundice and infection
- Blockage of the pancreatic duct leading to pancreatitis
- Gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis)
- Increased risk of gallbladder cancer
Diagnosis of Gallstones
Your physician diagnoses gallstones based on your symptoms, medical history, and physical examination. The diagnosis is confirmed based on findings from imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT (Contrast Tomography), MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), and ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio- Pancreatography) which helps to locate gallstones in the gallbladder as well as bile ducts. Your doctor may also request blood tests for any complications of gallstones.
Treatment for Gallstones
Gallstones without symptoms do not require treatment. Treatment for symptomatic gallstones is usually surgery to remove the gall bladder (cholecystectomy).
Dr. Ahmad does these procedures using the Laparoscopic Robotic approach. This approach reduces the risk of compilations and there is less scaring, bleeding and less pain in our hands. Compared to other approaches Dr. Ahmad has performed more than 4000 robotic surgeries and has at the time of writing the world largest experience in robotic bariatric general.
The surgical removal of the gallbladder does not result in any significant health issues or symptoms. Once the gall bladder is removed, the bile is directed from the liver into the intestine.