Gall stones are stone-like deposits often made of digestive fluids and are developed in the gall bladder or bile ducts. Gall stones are a common disorder, and it is estimated that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 10 men develop gall stone problems in their lifetime.
Risk factors
There are people with a high risk of developing gall stones. They are
- Older people
- Obese people
- Diabetic patients
Symptoms
Common symptoms
- Pain in the upper stomach, usually on the right side – most common symptom
- For some patients, this pain can move to the back and shoulder
Severe cases
- Patients with inflamed gall bladder (cholecystitis) experience severe pain in the upper stomach along with vomiting and high temperature
- In severe cases, patients may get obstructive jaundice
- Inflammation of the pancreatic gland
- Infection of the bile tubes
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to consult with a doctor immediately. Use search options like “gastrologist near me” to find faster help.
Diagnosis
A thorough history of the patient is taken, along with a few blood tests. Later ultrasonic scan of the abdomen is done.
Sometimes there are instances where gall stones are found while a scan is taken for entirely different reasons, and these are called incidental gall stones. These patients should visit a specialist, possibly a gastroenterologist, to get further help.
Treatment
The standard most recommended treatment for gall stones is a surgery where the gall bladder is removed along with the stones. This surgery is performed as a laparoscopic keyhole procedure while the patient is under general anaesthesia.
Also Read: Gallbladder Problems – Symptoms and Types of Diseases
Kauvery Hospital
The surgery for gall stones is a simple procedure where the patients are discharged from the hospital on the same day of the procedure or the day after. Thus instead of enduring the pain, visit the doctor immediately if you experience any of the above symptoms. You can use search options like “gastrologist near me” or visit the nearby hospital.
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