Following are the common questions about Gallstones:
A. Gallstones or gallbladder stones are hardened deposits in the gallbladder that forms due to a higher concentration of the digestive fluid, i.e., bile juice.
The bladder stores the bile juice and releases it into the small intestine from time to time. However, in some situations, the bladder may not empty properly due to which the bile becomes more concentrated and small grains of cholesterol or bilirubin start to form. These precipitated grains are called gallstones.
A. There are various tests that can be performed to diagnose gallstones. The tests include-
These diagnostic tests will allow the surgeon to identify the type of stone present in the bladder and narrow down the technique that will be most appropriate to remove them.
A. Yes. There are several medicines that can help to get rid of gallstones in an easy way. The most common medicines for gallstones are Chenodiol and Ursodiol. They target the cholesterol stones and dissolve them gradually over a period of one or two years.
The entire course of medicine is very long and the patient has to take them regularly to reduce the stone size. Once they are small enough, the patient can pass them out through stools.
A. There are three different non-surgical methods to treat gallstones-
A. The following signs commonly indicate problem in the gallbladder:
A. There are several medical conditions that mimic gallbladder pain. These conditions include-
All these conditions can cause severe pain and other complications as well. Therefore, it is advised that you see a doctor right away if you have severe abdominal pain, yellow skin, and high fever with chills.
A. Some of the common natural remedies that people often try to get relief from gallbladder pain are-
These natural remedies can provide relief but you have to use them regularly to keep the symptoms at bay. Also, remember that these remedies can only address the symptoms and won't resolve the underlying cause.
A. If gallstones are not treated on time, they can cause the following complications-
Most of these complications are alarming and require emergency treatment.
A. Gallbladder cleanse, also known as liver flush, is a specialized diet that is customized to keep a person from getting gallstones or to make it easier to pass the existing gallstones in stools.
The most common cleansing methods are-
The gallbladder cleanse method may or may not work for every person. It will be better if you consult a gallstone specialist and discuss the treatment options with him/her.
A. The surgery performed for the treatment of gallstones is known as cholecystectomy and involves the removal of the gallbladder itself. The surgery can be performed through open technique or laparoscopic technique. Irrespective of the technique, the surgeon will remove the gallbladder so that the bile juice flows directly from the liver to the small intestine. This will leave negligible chances of gallstone formation and the absence of gallbladder doesn't have any unwanted consequences as well.
A. The operation cost of gallstone removal surgery can be around Rs. 45,000 to Rs. 1,00,000 or more depending on various factors. These factors include-
All these factors are accounted for before calculating the final price of gallstone treatment. And the cost also varies from one patient to another based on these factors.
A. If you have gallstones, the doctor will advise you to avoid eating the following items-
All these foods are highly processed and affect the digestion process in a negative way. Therefore, these foods should be avoided at all costs.
A. The various factors that put an individual more at risk of developing gallstones are:
A. A gallbladder attack refers to the symptoms of gallstones that usually appear right after meals. It causes severe pain in the upper right abdomen, just below the rib cage.
It happens when a gallstone gets stuck in the bile duct. As the bile juice builds up excessively, it triggers pain in the bladder and causes symptoms like-
A doctor usually recommends gallstone surgery when the individual has had several episodes of a gallbladder attack.
A. Serious complications are rare with gallbladder removal surgery. But you should still look out for symptoms like digestive issues after having gallstone surgery. The complications that may arise during cholecystectomy are-
All these potential complications can be avoided by a gallstone specialist.
A. Yes. It is possible to digest food properly without a gallbladder. Once the gallbladder is removed, the bile juice doesn’t get stored but is passed directly to the small intestine. Therefore, the digestion process is not interrupted at all. However, it may become difficult for you to digest large amounts of fatty, greasy, and high-fiber foods. This can also cause gas, bloating, or diarrhea in some people.
A. On average, the overall recovery time after gallstone surgery is around 3-4 weeks. You will be able to resume daily activities after the first week. However, the doctor will still suggest that you take the necessary precautions and pay attention to your health. Listen to the doctor’s advice and this will ensure that the recovery is quick and smooth.
A. To minimize your risk of developing gallstones, try the following tips-
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