Gallbladder stones are increasingly becoming one of the most common problems being faced by people of all groups across the globe. However, in the beginning, these stones might not seem to be something serious or bothersome, so much so that even the people having gallstones might not even have the slightest idea that they have this condition. It is for this reason that people often ignore gallbladder stones and shrug them off, thinking they are not a major cause of concern. However, without Gallbladder stones treatment, these gallbladder stones might turn out to be much more than a minor inconvenience, causing a great deal of disruption in the daily lives of the patient, significantly reducing their quality of life. Gallstones can lead to intense pain, disruption in digestive function, and even certain life-threatening conditions. Most of these conditions might turn out to be severe, requiring urgent medical intervention. In some cases, gallbladder stones might be harmless and stay in the gallbladder of a person for years without coming to notice, however, when they do, they might cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and even some serious infections. This mostly happens when the gallstones block the bile duct of a patient. In this article, we will discuss in detail the Gallbladder stones and the complications they can give rise to.
What are gallbladder stones?
Gallbladder Stones or Gallstones are hardened and concentrated crystals of bile juice developed in the bile duct or gall bladder. The bile is produced in the liver and conveyed to various parts of the body through the bile ducts. Gallstones are also referred to as bile stones. These gallstones may not necessarily create a problem for a patient; in fact, some patients might have them and may not even be aware of them. However, in some sporadic instances, there are cases where these Gallbladder stones start to protrude through the bile ducts and get stuck somewhere, in the gall bladder, they can clog the biliary tract and therefore create a lot of pain and other serious problems. In such instances, gallstones can result in varying symptoms like sweating, rapid pulse rate, fever, tenderness, pain in the upper right abdomen, dark urine and stool, and yellowing of the skin and eyes.
What are the complications that gallbladder stones can cause?
Gallstones are sought after for causing abdominal discomfort. However, their complications unfurl many such problems that may necessitate Gallbladder stones treatment. When untreated, these hardened deposits in the gallbladder develop into serious health conditions that might demand urgent medical care.
- Cholecystitis: An inflammation of the gallbladder, more commonly called cholecystitis, is one of the most common complications involved. This arises when a stone obstructs the neck of the gallbladder, causing swelling, infection, and severe pain with chills and fever. This condition may require immediate treatment. In some cases, this condition might also require surgery.
- Pancreatic duct blockage: It is another fairly common complication caused by gallstones. The pancreatic duct carries digestive enzymes from the pancreas into the small intestine. Disrupted flow results in pancreatitis, causing inflammation of the pancreas, which is very painful and dangerous. As per Gallbladder stone specialist, this situation warrants hospital treatment and careful observation.
- Common bile duct blockage: Another possible complication is the obstruction of the common bile duct. This duct takes bile from the gallbladder to the intestine. When it is blocked, it causes jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), severe abdominal pain, and occasionally, life-threatening consequences.
- Gallbladder Cancer: People who have a history of repetitive occurrences of gallbladder stones are at an increased risk of developing gallbladder cancer. However, these chances are very rare.
When to seek medical help?
As discussed above, while gallstones might often seem to be a harmless condition, they might turn out to be worse with time, resulting in a great deal of discomfort and even life-threatening and emergency conditions in some cases. Hence, it is of utmost importance for a person to know and understand when they need to visit the Best doctor for gallbladder stone in order to seek medical attention for the condition. A specialist doctor can not only guide the patient better in terms of their individual case and severity of their symptoms, but also suggest the most appropriate treatment option for them. The patient should seek immediate medical help when:
- They feel a pain so intense that they can’t find a comfortable position or sit still
- They experience the yellowing of their skin or eyes, i.e., jaundice
- They experience high fever or chills
If you are looking for the Best hospital for gallbladder stone, or the best Robotic Surgery for Gallbladder Removal, Sohana Hospital might just be the right option for you. Sohana Hospital Mohali is home to North India’s most trusted and experienced gastroenterologists and surgeons, along with the World’s Most Advanced technology, a combination of which provides the most comprehensive and holistic treatment for all the gastrointestinal ailments of the patients in the region. Book your appointment today and take the first step towards a healthier and more comfortable life.