What are gallstones?
Gallstones are hard lumps or stones, usually composed of cholesterol or other substances such as bilirubin, that form in the gallbladder.
The gallbladder is a small organ located under the liver that releases bile (produced by the liver, but stored and concentrated in the gallbladder) into the digestive system to help the body convert fats into fatty acids, which can be absorbed.
Symptoms of gallstones
Gallstones do not always produce symptoms and do not always need treatment. In fact, the vast majority of people do not experience symptoms, as gallstones themselves do not cause any pain.
However, there are some circumstances in which a gallstone can become trapped and cause severe pain, known as biliary colic. Generally, the pain begins in the right upper abdomen and radiates to the shoulder.
In addition, further complications may arise when the gallbladder becomes inflamed. In this case, symptoms may include jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin), fever, persistent pain, nausea and vomiting.
Medical tests for gallstones
Gallstones can be diagnosed by the following tests:
- CT scan
- Magnetic resonance imaging
- Abdominal ultrasound
What are the causes of gallstones?
The development of gallstones is thought to be due to an excess of cholesterol or bilirubin in the bile, which leads to stone formation. In most cases, gallstones are composed of cholesterol. However, excessive production of bilirubin in the liver can also lead to stone formation.
Improper emptying of the gallbladder is also believed to cause gallstones, as the bile becomes too concentrated.
Can they be prevented?
Risk factors for the development of gallstones include the following: being overweight, lack of exercise, a diet containing too much cholesterol and fat and, at the same time, lack of fiber, as well as rapid weight loss. Other risk factors for the disease include liver problems and diabetes.
In this regard, following a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent the development of gallstones.
Gallstone treatments
It is not always necessary to treat gallstones. In many cases, the best option is to monitor and treat them only in the presence of symptoms. However, if they cause complications, they may need to be treated immediately. In addition, patients with conditions that increase the risk of complications, such as portal hypertension (high blood pressure in the liver), liver cirrhosis or diabetes, may require more urgent treatment.
In most cases, laparoscopic surgery is performed to remove the gallbladder, in an operation known as cholecystectomy. After the operation, patients can lead a normal life even without the gallbladder, as the liver will continue to produce bile.
Which specialist to contact?
It is advisable to contact experts in digestive tract, nephrology and urology, as well as general surgery specialists who specialize in gallstone treatment.