Gallbladder stones or Gallstones are formed of bile components in the gallbladder. Gallbladder stones vary in size and composition and depend mainly on the age of the patients, their diet and hereditary susceptibility to the condition.
1. Cholesterol Gallbladder Stones – These are about 2 to 3 centimeters in size, are oval in shape and are yellow, brown or greenish in color. A majority of the weight of the cholesterol gallbladder stones is because of the cholesterol alone.
2. Bilirubin Gallbladder Stones – These are composed of the insoluble bilirubin pigment polymer and calcium phosphate salts in the bile. They are comparatively smaller in size and appear dark in color.
3. Mixed Gallbladder Stones – These gallbladder stones are brown in color and are composed of calcium carbonate, bilirubin and other bile pigments.
1. Insufficient, irregular or infrequent gallbladder movement - This could lead to gallbladder stone formation and infection.
2. Lack of Melatonin – Melatonin helps in converting cholesterol into bile in the gallbladder. It also acts as an antioxidant and reduces oxidative stress to the gallbladder.
3. Hereditary – Gallbladder stones could be due to hereditary causes.
4. Nutrition – Low nutrient and low fluid consumption could lead to conditions like gallstones and constipation.
1. Biliary Colic – Biliary Colic is caused due to cramps in the upper right portion of the abdomen. Patients may also experience high fever, nausea and vomiting along with the abdominal pain.
2. Cholangitis – This is a condition caused due to infection in bile with symptoms such as pain in the upper abdomen, fever and jaundice. The gallbladder and bile ducts typically are filled with pus called Empyema Gallbladder. -
3. Symptoms of complications due to Gallbladder Stones may occur. Some of them include Liver and Pancreas Inflammation other than inflammation of the gallbladder and may lead to a sever life threatening condition.
4. Asymptomatic Gallbladder stones - Gallstones, many a times, wouldn’t show any symptoms in the patients. These gallstones are called asymptomatic but still warrant removal.
5. Gallbladder Stone attack – This includes pain due to blockage of the ducts in the liver and Bile Ducts by the gallstones or due to the inflammation caused by the gallstones.
1. Physical examination – A complete physical examination is carried out to diagnose the condition of Gallbladder Stones.
2. Ultrasound – Ultrasound is the best way to diagnose the condition through imaging.
3. Blood Tests – Levels of bilirubin can be measured and the liver function tests can be carried out through blood samples. These can help analyze the condition and provide necessary treatment. Other routine tests are prescribed before surgery.
4. MRI Scan – MRCP or CT Scan may be recommended for the abdominal areas.
5. Gallbladder Radionuclide Scan – This scan is done to highlight blockages or infections caused by the Gallbladder Stones.
Dr. Nikhil Agnihotri, expert Laparoscopic Surgeon provides Gall Bladder Stone Treatment in New Delhi, India. Contact us to know more about treatment and cost.
Authored By Dr.Nikhil Agnihotri