Gallstones
What Causes Gallstones?
Gallstones are formed by the crystallization of substances in bile, including calcium, cholesterol, and bilirubin (a yellowish-brown substance produced from the breakdown of red blood cells). These substances can form crystals due to biliary tract infections or an imbalance of cholesterol and bilirubin in bile. The crystallization may result in a single large stone or multiple small stones.
Who Is at Risk of Gallstones?
As commonly known, cholesterol gallstones are the most frequent type. This suggests that lifestyle factors may contribute to the development of the condition, especially in individuals with obesity, as they tend to have higher cholesterol levels in bile. Other risk factors include:
๐ Gender and age: More common in females than males, especially those over 40 years old
๐ Family history of gallstones
๐ Regular alcohol consumption
๐ Underlying diseases such as diabetes or blood disorders
๐ Use of oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy, as estrogen increases cholesterol levels in bile
๐ Frequent consumption of high-fat foods
Additional Risk Factors
๐ Obesity: Reduced gallbladder contraction increases the risk of cholesterol stones
๐ Estrogen exposure (from medication or pregnancy): Raises cholesterol levels in bile
๐ Certain cholesterol-lowering medications
๐ Diabetes with very high triglyceride levels
๐ Rapid weight loss, which causes excessive fat breakdown
Symptoms of Gallstones
๐ Bloating
๐ Abdominal discomfort or indigestion after eating fatty foods (chronic and recurring)
๐ Pain in the upper abdomen or right rib area
๐ Pain radiating to the right shoulder or back
๐ Nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills
๐ Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Treatment
The most effective treatment for gallstones today is laparoscopic surgery (minimally invasive surgery). This involves making small incisions in the abdomen. If there is no acute gallbladder inflammation, this procedure has a success rate of up to 95%.
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
In this procedure, a small camera is inserted through the navel and right upper abdomen, with incisions as small as 0.5 cm. It results in minimal blood loss, faster recovery, and patients can usually go home within 1-2 days. However, if the condition is left untreated for too long and severe inflammation develops, treatment may become more complicated and laparoscopic surgery may no longer be possible.
Currently, laparoscopic surgery is the standard and widely accepted treatment, offering smaller wounds, less pain, faster recovery, and a lower risk of post-operative infection.
Minimally Invasive Gallstone Surgery: Small Incisions, Fast Recovery, Peace of Mind
If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above or suspect that you are at risk of gallstones, you should consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. Gallstones can be diagnosed using an upper abdominal ultrasound. If stones are detected, treatment can be performed either through open surgery or laparoscopic surgery. Open surgery is typically reserved for cases with severe inflammation, gallbladder rupture, or abdominal infection.
Prevention of Gallstones
Maintain a healthy weight and keep blood lipid levels within a normal range through regular exercise and a balanced diet. This helps prevent excessive cholesterol secretion into bile. If weight loss is needed, it should be done gradually and properly, as rapid weight loss can increase cholesterol secretion into bile and raise the risk of gallstone formation.
source : Bangphai Hospital
**Translated and compiled by ArokaGO Content Team
Independent Writer
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