Gallstones are formed within the gallbladder. The primary purpose of the gall bladder is to store and concentrate bile. However it is not an essential organ.

Gallstones risk factors

• Sex – more common in women.
• Age – The risk increases with age.
• Family – Gallstones are more common in certain families.
• Obesity.
• Pregnancy.
• Festing / Rapid weight loss.
• Diabetes mellitus.
• Sickle cell disease.

Gallstone symptoms

Silent (Symptomatic) gallstones.
A large number of people who have gallstones have no symptoms. Abdominal pain (Biliary Colic).
Gallstone pain or biliary pain causes pain in the upper abdomen, right shoulder.
Patients may have nausea and vomiting.

Complications of Gallstones

Acute cholecystitis – This refers to the inflammation of the
gall bladder. It happens when there is complete blockage of the gallbladdder outflow by a stone. Unlike biliary colic, which resolves within a few hours, pain of cholecystitis is constant and fever is common.

Choleboctoliathesis – This occurs when biliary or gallstones block the bile duct.

This may cause jaundice
i. Jaundice – Yellowness of eyes.
ii. Pancreatitis – Inflammation of the pancreas.
iii. Cholecytitis – Infection of the gall bladder.

Gallstones diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on history, examination, laboratory test, ultrasound MRI/MRCP, endoscopic ultra sound may be needed.

Treatment

Asymptoments – Gallstone may be observed. Surgery is indicated if there is cancer risk.
Symptomatic Gallstones – Surgery, either laparoscopic or open surgery is recommended.
Stones in the bile duct – ERCP + EUS and surgery is
recommended