Gall stones
Gallstones are small, hard deposits that form in the gallbladder, a small organ located beneath the liver. The gallbladder stores bile, a substance that helps the body digest fats. Gallstones can develop when there is an imbalance of substances in the bile, such as too much cholesterol or bilirubin.
Gallstones can vary in size, ranging from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball. Some people may have just one gallstone, while others may have many.
Symptoms
Gallstones may not cause any symptoms, but when they do, the symptoms can include:
- Pain in the upper abdomen or upper back
- Nausea or vomiting
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Bloating or gas
- Indigestion or heartburn
- Clay-colored stools
- Dark urine
Causes
There are certain factors that can increase the risk of developing gallstones. These include:
- Some people may have a genetic predisposition to developing gallstones.
- Women are more likely than men to develop gallstones, possibly due to higher levels of estrogen.
- Gallstones are more common in people over the age of 40.
- Being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing gallstones.
- A diet high in fat and cholesterol and low in fiber may increase the risk of developing gallstones.
- Losing weight quickly, such as after bariatric surgery, can increase the risk of developing gallstones.
- Conditions that affect the gallbladder or bile ducts, such as cirrhosis or inflammatory bowel disease, can increase the risk of developing gallstones.
- Certain medications, such as those used to lower cholesterol or prevent seizures, may increase the risk of developing gallstones.
Diagnosis & Treatment
Gallstones are typically diagnosed using imaging tests, such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI. These tests can help confirm the presence of gallstones and assess the severity of the condition.
If gallstones are not causing any symptoms, they may not require treatment. However, if they are causing symptoms or complications, such as inflammation or infection of the gallbladder, they may need to be removed.
Treatment options include:
- Surgery: This can be done using minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopic surgery, which involves making small incisions in the abdomen and removing the stones.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as ursodeoxycholic acid, may be used to dissolve small gallstones, but this approach is less effective for larger stones.
- Shock wave lithotripsy: This non-surgical procedure uses sound waves to break up gallstones into smaller pieces that can be passed through the bile ducts.
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): This procedure involves using an endoscope (a flexible tube with a camera) to locate the gallstones and remove them through the bile ducts.
What to expect after treatment
After treatment for gallstones, most people recover well and can resume their normal activities within a few days or weeks, depending on the type of treatment received. Here are some things to expect after treatment for gallstones:
1.Surgery: If the gallbladder was removed surgically, you may experience some pain and discomfort at the incision site, which can be managed with pain medications. You may also need to avoid certain foods for a short period after the surgery.
2.Medications: If you received medication to dissolve the gallstones, it may take several months for the stones to dissolve completely & may need to have regular check-ups and follow-up imaging tests to monitor the progress.
3.Shock wave lithotripsy: This non-surgical procedure may cause some discomfort during the procedure, but most people can resume their normal activities right after the treatment.
4.Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): This procedure can cause some mild discomfort or soreness in the throat afterwards, but most people can return to their normal activities within a day or two.
After treatment for gallstones, it's important to follow any dietary or lifestyle recommendations from your doctor to reduce the risk of developing new gallstones in the future. This may include avoiding certain foods or making changes to your diet, such as eating more fiber and less fat.
Gallbladder cancer
Gallbladder cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the gallbladder, a small pear-shaped organ located in the upper right abdomen. The gallbladder stores bile, a fluid produced by the liver that helps digest fat.
Symptoms
When symptoms of gallbladder cancer do occur, they can include:
- Abdominal pain, especially in the upper right part of the abdomen
- Bloating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Itching
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Fever
Causes
There are certain factors that can increase the risk of developing the disease. These include:
- Gallstones: People who have a history of gallstones are at an increased risk of developing gallbladder cancer.
- Chronic inflammation: Long-term inflammation of the gallbladder, often caused by untreated gallstones or infections, can increase the risk of cancer.
- Age and gender: Gallbladder cancer is more common in women and in people over the age of 65.
- Family history: Having a close family member with gallbladder cancer can increase the risk of developing the disease.
Diagnosis & Treatment
The diagnosis of gallbladder cancer typically involves several tests and procedures to confirm the presence of cancer and determine the extent of the disease. These may include:
- Imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, or PET scan
- Endoscopic ultrasound
- Biopsy
Once gallbladder cancer is diagnosed, the treatment plan will depend on the stage of the cancer and the patient's overall health.
Treatment options may include:
- Surgery: The most common treatment for gallbladder cancer is surgery to remove the gallbladder and any nearby tissue that may contain cancer cells. In some cases, additional surgery may be needed to remove lymph nodes or other affected organs.
- Chemotherapy: This treatment uses drugs to kill cancer cells and may be used before or after surgery, depending on the extent of the cancer.
- Radiation therapy: This treatment uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells and may be used before or after surgery.
What to expect after treatment
The outcome and recovery after treatment for gallbladder cancer can vary depending on the stage and extent of the cancer, the type of treatment received, and the patient's overall health. Here are some general things to expect after treatment for gallbladder cancer:
1.Surgery: After surgical removal of the gallbladder, patients may need to stay in the hospital for several days to recover. They may experience pain, fatigue, and other side effects, but these usually improve over time. Most people can resume normal activities within a few weeks to a few months after surgery, depending on their overall health and the extent of the surgery.
2.Chemotherapy and radiation therapy: These treatments may cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, hair loss, and low blood cell counts. These side effects usually improve after treatment ends, but it may take several weeks or months to fully recover. Patients may need to take medication or receive other treatments to manage these side effects.
3.Follow-up care: After treatment for gallbladder cancer, patients will need regular follow-up appointments to monitor for any signs of recurrence or other complications. This may involve imaging tests, blood tests, and other exams. Patients may also need to make lifestyle changes such as adopting a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption to help reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.
