Gastro Care

GALLSTONES AND COMMON BILE DUCT STONES

Gallbladder stones

Gallstones and common bile duct stones are stones formed in gallbladder and bile duct.

The stone formation could develop in both adults and children. The treatment involves medications and surgery and or endoscopy to remove the stones.

Symptoms

The common symptoms include:

  • Pain in upper abdomen
  • Fever and chills
  • Nausea
  • Yellow skin or eyes
  • Dark urine
  • Itching
  • Greasy or light-colored stools

Causes and Risk Factors

 The common risk factors that lead to such conditions could be:

Having a family history

  • Age and gender: Being a female or being 40 or older increases the risks
  • Consuming certain diets like high fat, low fiber food
  • Obesity
  • Pregnancy
  • Certain diseases Diabetes or liver related diseases
  • Blood disorders, such as sickle cell anemia or leukemia
  • Certain medications like contraceptives

Treatment of Gallstones and Bile Duct Stones

The treatment depends upon various factors. It could involve medication, surgery or both. Medications include antibiotics to help in controlling infection along with medications for pain relief. Medication may be given to dissolve the stone developed though it does not always work.

Common bile duct stones can be removed with the help of special endoscopic procedure called as ERCP.

Surgery is an option when the stones do not dissolve with various methods applied or in emergency conditions. Using modern methodologies like minimally invasive procedures, the stones could be removed surgically without having to deal with much risk and complexity in the procedure and with minimum scaring. These methods are gaining popularity and are rising up as the preferred method of doing such surgeries.