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Gallstone & Gallbladder disease
Gallstones and gallbladder disease can have a significant impact on a person's lifestyle. The pain and discomfort can make it difficult to perform everyday activities. The condition can also lead to anxiety and depression.
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Gallstones are hardened deposits that can form in your gallbladder, a small sac-like organ located under your liver. Bile is a digestive fluid produced in your liver and stored in your gallbladder. When you eat, your gallbladder contracts and empties bile into your small intestine. Gallstones range in size from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball. Some people develop just one gallstone, while others develop many gallstones at the same time.

    Gallbladder disease refers to any condition that affects the gallbladder. The most common type of gallbladder disease is gallstone disease, which affects about 10-15% of adults in the United States. Other types of gallbladder disease include cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder), gallbladder polyps, and gallbladder cancer.

    How Does Gallstone & Gallbladder disease Present Itself?

    Gallstones and gallbladder disease often present with no symptoms. However, if a gallstone becomes trapped in an opening (duct) inside the gallbladder, it can cause sudden, intense pain in your upper right abdomen near the rib cage, which can be severe and can radiate to the upper back. Some people with gallstones can also develop complications, such as inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis). This can cause:

    • Persistent pain
    • Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
    • A high temperature
    • Loss of appetite

    Common Scenarios

    People with gallstones and gallbladder disease may experience the following scenarios:

    • Needing to avoid eating fatty foods due to pain or discomfort
    • Needing to avoid certain activities due to pain or discomfort
    • Experiencing anxiety or embarrassment about the condition
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    How Can You Help Yourself?

    There are several things you can do to help yourself manage gallstones and gallbladder disease, including:

    • Maintaining a healthy weight
    • Eating a low-fat diet
    • Avoiding sudden weight loss
    • Eating regular meals
    • Exercising regularly
    • Managing stress

    Why Do People Get Gallstones & Gallbladder disease?

    The exact cause of gallstones is unknown, but there are several risk factors that increase your likelihood of developing them, including:

    • Obesity
    • Being female
    • Having a family history of gallstones
    • Eating a high-fat diet
    • Having diabetes
    • Having high cholesterol levels
    • Being pregnant

    Who Gets Gallstones & Gallbladder disease?

    Gallstones and gallbladder disease can affect people of all ages, but they are more common in adults over the age of 40. They are also slightly more common in women than in men.

    Symptoms of Gallstones & Gallbladder disease

    The symptoms of gallstones and gallbladder disease can vary depending on the severity of the condition. However, some of the most common symptoms include:

    • Abdominal pain
    • Nausea and vomiting
    • Fever
    • Jaundice

    How Gallstones & Gallbladder disease Can Affect Lifestyle

    Gallstones and gallbladder disease can have a significant impact on a person's lifestyle. The pain and discomfort can make it difficult to perform everyday activities. The condition can also lead to anxiety and depression.

    What Can You Do to Treat Gallstones & Gallbladder disease?

    Treatment for gallstones and gallbladder disease will depend on the severity of the condition. In some cases, lifestyle changes may be enough to manage the symptoms. However, in most cases, surgery is necessary to remove the gallbladder.

    Diagnosing Gallstones & Gallbladder Disease

    Diagnosing gallstones and gallbladder disease typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests.

    Medical History

    Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms, including when they started, how severe they are, and how they affect your daily life. They will also ask about your medical history, including any family history of gallstones or other abdominal conditions.

    Physical Examination

    Your doctor will perform a physical examination to check for any signs of gallstones or gallbladder disease, such as a tender or swollen abdomen. They may also listen to your abdomen with a stethoscope to check for any unusual sounds.

    Imaging Tests

    Imaging tests can be used to confirm the diagnosis of gallstones or gallbladder disease and to determine the size and location of any gallstones. Common imaging tests used to diagnose gallstones and gallbladder disease include:

    • Ultrasound: Ultrasound is the most common imaging test used to diagnose gallstones. It is a safe and painless procedure that uses sound waves to create images of the gallbladder.
    • CT scan: A CT scan is a type of X-ray that can create detailed images of the inside of the body. CT scans can be used to diagnose gallstones, as well as to identify other abnormalities in the gallbladder or bile ducts.
    • HIDA scan: A HIDA scan, also known as a cholescintigraphy, is a nuclear medicine test that uses a radioactive tracer to visualize the gallbladder and bile ducts. This test can be used to assess gallbladder function and to identify any blockages in the bile ducts.
    • MRCP: MRCP is a type of MRI scan that specifically images the bile ducts. It can be used to identify gallstones, blockages, and other abnormalities in the bile ducts.

    Possible Outcomes

    The imaging tests used to diagnose gallstones and gallbladder disease are highly accurate. In one study, ultrasound was 95% accurate in diagnosing gallstones. CT scans and MRCP are even more accurate, with accuracy rates of over 98%.

    Pre-diagnosis

    Before being diagnosed with gallstones or gallbladder disease, you may experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, fever, and jaundice. These symptoms can be caused by a variety of conditions, so it is important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis.

    Post-diagnosis

    After being diagnosed with gallstones or gallbladder disease, you will have the opportunity to discuss treatment options with Mr Veeramootoo. Treatment options will depend on the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause of the condition.

    Long-term Effects

    The long-term effects of gallstones and gallbladder disease can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the effectiveness of treatment. With proper management, most people with gallstones or gallbladder disease can live long and healthy lives.

    Gallstone & Gallbladder disease Surgery/Treatment

    There are two main types of treatment for gallstones and gallbladder disease: lifestyle changes and surgery.

    Lifestyle Changes

    In some cases, lifestyle changes may be enough to manage the symptoms of gallstones or gallbladder disease. Lifestyle changes that may help include:

    • Maintaining a healthy weight
    • Eating a low-fat diet
    • Avoiding sudden weight loss
    • Eating regular meals
    • Exercising regularly
    • Managing stress

    Surgery

    In most cases, surgery is necessary to remove the gallbladder (cholecystectomy). This is a safe and effective procedure that is typically performed laparoscopically, which means that it is done through small incisions in the abdomen. Recovery from laparoscopic cholecystectomy is usually quick, and most people can go home from the hospital after a few days.

    Mr Raj Veeramootoo Upper GI Consultant Frimley Gall Bladder Disease

    What to Expect After Surgery

    After surgery, you will need to follow a special diet and take medication to prevent infection and promote healing. You may also experience some pain and discomfort, but this should subside within a few weeks.

    Going Forward After Surgery

    After surgery, most people can return to their normal activities within a few weeks. However, it is important to continue to follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly to prevent gallstones from recurring.

    Gallstones and gallbladder disease are common conditions that can affect people of all ages. However, with proper treatment, most people with gallstones and gallbladder disease can live long and healthy lives.

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