Gallbladder Stones: Understanding the Condition
Gallbladder stones, or gallstones, are solid particles that form in the gallbladder, a small organ beneath the liver. They can vary in size and may cause severe pain or complications if they block bile ducts.
Causes
- Excess cholesterol in bile
- Excess bilirubin
- Incomplete emptying of the gallbladder
Symptoms
- Severe abdominal pain (biliary colic)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Jaundice
- Indigestion
Diagnosis
- Ultrasound
- CT scan
- Blood tests
Treatment
- Medication to dissolve stones
- Surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy)
- Endoscopic procedures (ERCP)
Risk Factors
- Obesity
- Rapid weight loss
- Pregnancy
- Family history
Managing Gallbladder Stones
Timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications like infection or pancreatitis. Surgical removal is a common and effective solution.