Gallstones are hardened deposits that form within the gallbladder, a small organ located beneath the liver. These stones can range in size and composition, and their presence can lead to various complications that can significantly impact a person’s health and well-being.
In this article, Dr Amita Jain, Delhi’s top laparoscopic surgeon for gallstones tells about the complications associated with gallstones, highlighting the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment.
Biliary Colic
Biliary colic is one of the most common symptoms of gallstones. It refers to a sudden and severe pain in the upper abdomen or right side, usually lasting from a few minutes to a few hours. Biliary colic occurs when a gallstone temporarily obstructs the bile ducts, causing intense pain and discomfort. Although biliary colic is not life-threatening, it can be recurrent and significantly affect an individual’s quality of life.
Cholecystitis
Gallstones can lead to inflammation of the gallbladder, a condition known as cholecystitis. When a gallstone obstructs the cystic duct, it can cause the gallbladder to become swollen, red, and painful. Cholecystitis often presents with severe pain in the upper abdomen, fever, nausea, and vomiting. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications such as infection, abscess formation, or perforation of the gallbladder.
Choledocholithiasis
Choledocholithiasis occurs when gallstones migrate from the gallbladder into the common bile duct, the duct that carries bile from the liver to the small intestine. These stones can obstruct the flow of bile, leading to jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), abdominal pain, fever, and potentially severe infections such as cholangitis or pancreatitis.....
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