Gallstones, though often silent, can lead to significant health issues when the symptoms show up. Reputed healthcare centers provide advanced gallstone treatment processes to patients. Depending on the number of stones and complexity in each individual, physicians recommend surgical or non-surgical gallstone treatments.
Thanks to advancements in medical technology, diagnosing gallstones is now far more accurate and less invasive. Patients can seek tailored and effective gallstone treatment to overcome the pain and discomfort.
For individuals wondering are gallstones treatable, the answer is yes. In this guide, we have discussed the process of diagnosing and treating cholesterol stones.
How Are Gallstones Diagnosed?
Gallstones are caused by the excess production of bilirubin, which is responsible for breaking down red blood cells.
Healthcare providers diagnose gallstones with various imaging tests and blood tests. Blood tests detect infection, inflammation, or other conditions in the affected organs. On the other hand, imaging tests help in locating the source of blockage in the biliary tract.
The diagnosis process for gallstones includes:
Abdominal Ultrasound
Those experiencing pain in the upper right abdomen or other symptoms need to undergo an abdominal ultrasound test. Physicians look for signs of gallstones through this method. They move a transducer on the abdominal area, which sends signals to a computer. Based on these signals, it creates corresponding images that reveal the internal structures within the abdomen. This diagnostic process reveals possible abnormalities related to acute cholecystitis.
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)
Endoscopic ultrasound, also referred to as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), is used to identify smaller gallstones that are generally undetectable using abdominal ultrasound. The process involves passing a flexible and thin tube, known as the endoscope, through the mouth and into the digestive tract. Sound waves produced by the transducer in the tube helps in creating an accurate image of the surrounding area.
Cholescintigraphy (HIDA scan)
Doctors carry out this test to gather necessary health information before gallstone treatment. It determines whether or not the gallbladder is working properly. A harmless radioactive material is injected into the body that reaches the gallbladder. Next, its movement is observed to distinguish between gallstones and cholecystitis, a condition when the gallbladder becomes inflamed.
Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)
MRCP is another test involving the use of a magnetic field and pulses of radio waves to get pictures of the internal areas of the body, including the gallbladder and liver.
CT Scan
Before deciding the right approach for cholelithiasis treatment, doctors recommend a CT scan. This is a specialized X-ray that enables physicians to get an internal view of the gallbladder and other associated organs.
Blood tests
Through blood tests, doctors detect possible blockages or infections in the gallbladder and bile ducts. Thus, they can rule out other conditions preventing bile from reaching the small intestine.
Gallstone Treatment Processes
People with gallstones need medical attention only when the symptoms show up or cause discomfort. Often, they are asymptomatic, and the stones don’t cause any trouble.
The treatment for gallstones involves gallstone removal, medication, and other less-intrusive processes. The national institute of diabetes and digestive and kidney diseases recommends most of these treatment options.
Gallbladder Removal
Source
If the gallstones in the bladder block the bile ducts, it’s essential to remove your gallbladder. The risk factors of not removing gallstones include gallbladder cancer, blockage of the pancreatic duct, inflamed gallbladder, and blockage of the common bile duct. Since the liver continues to produce bile, the body can function even without the gallbladder.
Usually, physicians use one of these two procedures for treatment of gallstone by removing the gallbladder.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a common gallstone surgery process. The surgeon makes incisions in your abdomen to pass a narrow tube into the belly. This tube, known as a laparoscope, is attached with a tiny camera and a light. This helps in gall stones treatment by taking an image of the affected area. The surgeon makes another small cut using special devices to take the gallbladder out.
Open cholecystectomy
This is another gallstone treatment process where the physician makes a bigger cut to remove the gallbladder. The healing process takes a few days, and doctors recommend this open surgery if the patient shows bleeding disorders. Those with severe gallbladder diseases should undergo open cholecystectomy. This surgical process is also recommended for obese people and pregnant women.
Doctors put the patient under general anaesthesia during both of these types of surgeries. In case the bile ducts have gall stones, the physician may use ERCP to detect them and get them removed before or during the surgery.
Gallstone Treatment without Surgery
At times, certain medical conditions in high-risk patients make gallbladder removal unsafe. Doctors recommend nonsurgical treatments in these conditions, but patients need to seek lifelong treatment to break up the gallstones or periodically remove them. These include:
Gallstone treatment medication
Chenodiol (Chenix) and ursodiol (Actigal) are usually recommended for gallstone treatment. They contain chemicals that dissolve small cholesterol gallstones. However, those with gallstones need to take these pills for several years so that the stones gradually break up. However, once the treatment is stopped, the gallstones may come back again. Among the common side effects of these medications, most patients experience mild diarrhea.
Shock wave lithotripsy
In rare cases, gallstones in the system are broken down using shock waves. Physicians may recommend this gallstone treatment process along with other processes.
Gallstone Treatment Diet
Doctors recommend the following diet to patients undergoing gallstone treatment.
- Taking food with less sugar content and fewer refined carbs is advisable.
- Take more healthy fats like olive oil and fish oil, which help the gallbladder empty and contract regularly.
- Consider food with adequate fiber content. Men should take around 38 grams of fiber per day, while women need around 25 grams.
- Remain physically agile every day.
- It’s important to remain hydrated while undergoing gallstone treatment.
Seek Advanced Gallstone Treatment From Experts
For patients, it’s imperative to identify the symptoms of gallstones early and reach out to one of the reputed healthcare centres for appropriate diagnostic and treatment options. A proactive approach ensures those with gallstones can significantly reduce the risk factors and discomfort.
At Santokh Hospital, we comprehensively diagnose and treat gallstones, offering both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options. If you feel a medical diagnosis is necessary, schedule your appointment with us. Remember, taking charge of your health today can lead to a healthier, more comfortable tomorrow.
