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What Are Gallstones?
Gallstones are small, hardened deposits of digestive fluid that form in the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located on the right side of the abdomen, just beneath the liver. Its main function is to store bile, a digestive fluid released into the small intestine.
Gallstones vary in size, ranging from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball. Some people may develop just one gallstone, while others may have multiple stones at the same time.
If gallstones cause symptoms, doctors may recommend gallbladder removal surgery. However, gallstones that do not cause any symptoms typically do not require treatment.
Symptoms of Gallstones
Gallstones usually do not cause symptoms unless they become lodged and create a blockage. When this happens, symptoms may include upper abdominal pain and nausea.
In severe cases where a blockage persists for an extended period, additional symptoms may include:
- Sweating
- Fever
- Rapid heartbeat
- Abdominal swelling and pain
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Dark urine and pale stools
Causes of Gallstones
Gallstones are believed to form due to an imbalance in the chemical composition of bile in the gallbladder.
In most cases, high cholesterol levels in bile contribute to gallstone formation.
You may be at a higher risk of developing gallstones if you:
- Are overweight or obese
- Are a woman (especially if you have given birth)
- Are 40 years of age or older (risk increases with age)
Diagnosis of Gallstones
Several tests and procedures can help diagnose gallstones and related complications:
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Abdominal Ultrasound
This is the most commonly used test to detect gallstones. It involves placing a transducer on the abdomen to send sound waves to a computer, which then creates an image of the gallbladder and surrounding structures.
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Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)
This procedure helps identify smaller gallstones that may not be visible on an abdominal ultrasound. A thin, flexible tube (endoscope) is inserted through the mouth and into the digestive tract. The transducer within the endoscope generates sound waves to produce highly detailed images of surrounding tissues.
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Additional Imaging Tests
Other diagnostic imaging tests that may be recommended include oral cholecystography, hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scan, CT scan, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). If gallstones are detected during ERCP, they can be removed during the procedure.
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Blood Tests
Blood tests can help detect infections, jaundice, pancreatitis, or other complications caused by gallstones.
Treatment for Gallstones
Most cases of asymptomatic gallstones do not require treatment. However, if symptoms occur, the following treatment options may be recommended:
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Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal Surgery)
Doctors may suggest gallbladder removal surgery (cholecystectomy), especially if gallstones frequently recur. After gallbladder removal, bile flows directly from the liver to the small intestine instead of being stored in the gallbladder.
The gallbladder is not essential for survival, and its removal does not affect digestion. However, some people may experience temporary diarrhea after surgery.
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Medications
Doctors may prescribe medications to dissolve gallstones. However, this treatment can take months or even years to be effective, and gallstones may reappear if the medication is discontinued.
Need More Information on Gallstones? If you have questions about gallstones or other digestive health issues, visit the Digestive & Liver Clinic at Mandaya for expert medical advice, examinations, and the best treatment options from our experienced doctors.
Schedule an appointment through WhatsApp Chat, Book Appointment, or download the Care Dokter app on Google Play and App Store for easy visits, queue tracking, and complete health information.
