What causes gallstones?
The exact cause for gallstones is undetermined. There are many associated risks factors contributing to formation of gallstones. Female gender (females are 3 times more prone to developing gallstones than males), progressing age, overweight and obesity, familial history, sudden weight loss, prolonged starving, intake of foods with high oily content are some of the common reasons that may put you at risk of gallstones.
What is the incidence of gallstones in India?
Incidence of gallstones varies in different parts of the world. In India there is huge variations in different parts of the country. Northeast and Bengal (10%) has highest incidence and South India has lowest (2-3%). In Northeast and Bengal gallstones can be detected at very early age compared to South India.
What complications does gallstones cause?
Pain (Biliary Colic): Normally comes after food especially fatty foods. Across upper abdomen and can radiate to back. Can last up to few hours. If any one experiences these symptoms repeatedly and is found to have gallstones then it is symptomatic gallstones. Patients are strongly advised to have surgery (Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy -- Key hole procedure to remove gall bladder with stones) before having any of other complications listed below.
Infection -- Cholecystitis: This is infection of gall bladder. Usually happens when gallstone blocks the cystic duct (See Picture). This would need admission and prompt treatment with intravenous antibiotics atlas for 48 hours and surgery (Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy -- Key hole procedure to remove gall bladder with stones) on same admission.
Infection -- Cholangitis: This happens when there is infection with blocked bile duct caused by the stone in the bile duct. This is very serious condition as infection can spread to blood in very short term and cause serious organ damage (Renal failure/cardiac failure/liver failure). This is associated with high risks so patients would be in ICU. Patient will need ERCP ( Camera procedure to remove stone in bile duct). Once recovered from the infection will need surgery (Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy -- Key hole procedure to remove gall bladder with stones) on the same admission.
Jaundice: This can happen when gallstone slipped from gallbladder to common bile duct causes obstruction to flow of bile. Patient will need ERCP (Camera procedure to remove stone in bile duct). Some times stone can pass on its own. This will be determined by serial blood tests. Once recovered from the infection will need surgery (Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy -- Key hole procedure to remove gall bladder with stones) on the same admission.
Pancreatitis: Most serious complication of gallstones with serious threat to life depending on the severity of pancreatitis. Most patient will need ERCP ( Camera procedure to remove stone in bile duct). Vary rarely stone can pass on its own. Once recovered from the pancreatitis will need surgery (Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy -- Key hole procedure to remove gall bladder with stones) on the same admission.
What are the complications of gallbladder surgery/Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy and what percentage have complications?
Complications of Gall bladder surgery (Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy): These happen in 0.2% of cases. That is 1 in 500 cases of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy world wide. Complications include bleeding, bowel injury and bile duct injury. The complication risks are higher in people who have had one of the above discussed complication from gall stones.
Who needs gallbladder surgery/Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy?
If the gallstones are symptomatic or you had any one of above complications then there is absolute indication for surgery on same admission or as soon as possible before you have other complications.
If gallstones are incidental (This is the controversial part which patient needs to take decision)-- found on scan for some other reason and are not causing any complications then you have to decide whether to have surgery or not. The above article will help you to make that decision. If someone is diagnosed with gall stones then they have 2%-5% risk of above complications every year Vs 0.2% risk of complication from surgery to remove gallbladder. If have complication then you would need at least 3-5 days admission, more time to recover and cost of treatment also increases with each complication. It is ones decision whether to risk complications then face complicated surgery with higher risk of complications and prolonged recovery with added extra expenditure or have elective surgery where you can go home same or next day.
If one does not live in select few cosmopolitan cities with access to all the healthcare facilities then it does not make sense to wait till the complication happens as it will be difficult to deal with them in small cities with limited resources and facilities. One's life is put to serious risk then.
Do we need to avoid any food after surgery?
Absolutely nil. One can start having food few hours after surgery and can eat all the food throughout the life without any restriction and malabsorption.
If your doctor has suspected that you may have gallstones or if you are looking for gallstone removal treatment Practo Care Surgeries offers you a one-stop solution. With Practo Care Surgeries you can be assured of effective and affordable gallbladder surgery. Ensure you get your gallstones timely removed to avoid unwanted complications.
Disclaimer: The content (video/text) presented on this page should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. Please "DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE" and seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns. Practo will not be responsible for any act or omission arising from the interpretation of the content present on this page.