Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid that can form in your gallbladder. They vary in size and can cause intense pain when they block bile ducts. Understanding symptoms and treatment options can help manage this common condition effectively.
Common Symptoms
- Sudden and Intense Abdominal Pain: Often occurs in the upper right abdomen or center.
- Back Pain: Pain may radiate to the back between shoulder blades.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Especially after eating fatty meals.
- Fever: May indicate infection (cholecystitis).
- Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes, suggesting a blocked bile duct.
Diagnostic Procedures
Gallstones are typically detected using:
- Ultrasound: The most common and non-invasive imaging method.
- CT Scan: Provides a more detailed view of the abdominal organs.
- MRI Cholangiopancreatography: Identifies stones in bile ducts.
- Blood Tests: To check for signs of infection or inflammation.
Treatment Options
- Medication: Bile acid pills may dissolve small stones, but this is a slow process.
- Surgery: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the most effective treatment for recurrent symptoms.
- Endoscopic Procedures: For stones in bile ducts, ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) may be performed.
