Understanding Gallstones

The gallbladder is a small organ in the right upper abdomen under the liver. When healthy, it stores some of the bile that is made by the liver. Bile is necessary to digest and absorb the fats in the foods we eat. When there is an imbalance of the chemicals in the bile, gallstones can form.

Gallstones can range in size from a grain of sand to a golf ball. The gallbladder can develop a single large gallstone, hundreds of tiny stones, or both small and large stones. Gallstones can cause sudden pain in the upper right abdomen. This pain, called a gallbladder attack or biliary colic, occurs when gallstones block the ducts of the biliary tract.

Who Is More Prone To Developing Gallstones?

Adults above 40 years
Overweight patients
Family history of gallstones
Pregnant women and those who are on birth control pills
People undergoing sudden weight loss
People on carbohydrate and/or calorie-rich diet

What Are The Symptoms Of Gallstones?

Some gallstones remain ‘silent’ and do not cause any symptoms. However, others move and block the bile flow, causing a sudden pain in the upper right abdomen.

This condition, called gallbladder attack or biliary colic, can last for an hour or more and may resolve by itself. However, prolonged blockage of the bile duct can cause serious health issues

When Should You Consult A Doctor For Gallstones?

If you have any of the below symptoms, visit a surgical gastroenterologist or a gastro surgeon immediately without further delay.

Severe pain in the abdomen lasting for more than 5 hours
Nausea and vomiting
Presence of fever or chills
Yellowish discoloration of the white of the eye or skin, known as jaundice
Discoloration of urine and stools

How Are Gallstones Diagnosed?

The following methods are utilized by your doctor to diagnose gallstones:

Ultrasound- visualizes the gallstones, their location, and number
CT scan or MRI are used to help exclude other causes of abdominal pain, and may be used to diagnose complicated gallstone disease.
Blood tests determine concomitant infections, obstruction, pancreatitis, and jaundice
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) – utilizes an endoscope that is inserted into the stomach and the duodenum (first part of the intestine) and can locate the stones in the bile duct.
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) can be used to remove stones in the bile duct once they are confirmed

If you’re experiencing gallbladder problems, seek advice from your doctor immediately before complications set in. It can save you from more suffering.

For more information, please call

6737 8878

Mount Elizabeth Orchard

6475 1488

Gleneagles Hospital

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