Gallstone Treatment: Warning Signs, Symptoms And Cost
Gallstones are one of the common digestive diseases. When a gallstone gets deposited in a bile duct, it can cause blockage and eventually may result in severe life-threatening complications.
What are gallstones?
Our gallbladder is a small sac that stores bile, which is a digestive fluid made by our liver. Sometimes, bile juice hardens and transforms into deposits called gallstones. This stone-like material can be as tiny as a sand granule or can be as big as a golf ball. Some people may have only one stone, while others may suffer from multiple stones simultaneously.
Where do gallstones develop?
Gallstones typically develop in the gallbladder. Sometimes they can start in the gallbladder and migrate into the bile duct or even form in the bile duct itself. When they become lodged in the bile duct, they cause a blockage, restricting the flow of bile out of the gallbladder. This can cause the gallbladder’s walls to become inflamed and lead to bacterial infection of the bile.
What causes gallstones?
Most gallstones develop because of an imbalance in the bile chemistry inside the gallbladder. When the levels of cholesterol in bile are too high, the excess cholesterol may result in the formation of stones. However, researchers are still unsure about the cause of gallstones and say that they may occur if bile contains too much cholesterol, too much bilirubin, or does not have enough bile salts.
What does gallstone pain feel like?
Gallstones pain is often felt in the center of the abdomen, just under the ribs on the right side. It may rise as a sudden and sharp pain, and you will feel like someone is cutting you with a sharp knife. This pain is constant and very severe, and is unbearable. If left untreated, it can get worse and cause you to vomit or have nausea. It is recommended to see your doctor for gallstone treatment immediately.
What are the warning signs of gallstone?
Gallstone symptoms start with pain in the upper area of the abdomen and vary according to the condition. Some of the most common signs of gallstone are:
- Severe pain in the upper right of your abdomen
- Pain lasting for several hours
- Tenderness in the abdomen
- Abdominal pain that worsens after a heavy meal
- Increased pain when you breathe deeply
- Heartburn, indigestion, and gas problems
- Vomiting
- Fever with chills
- Dark urine and stools of an unusual color
What are the types of gallstones?
There are two types of gallstones:
- Cholesterol stones: These are more common and form when there is excess bilirubin in the bile.
- Pigment stones: They usually form when there is excess bilirubin in the bile.
Gallstones can be as tiny as a sand grain, more extensive like a golf ball, or any combination of sizes. Gallstones within the gallbladder are often harmless and may cause no problems. In case they are large, they may cause pain and block bile from leaving the gallbladder. In this case, gallstone surgery is the only option.
Gallstone diagnosis and tests
A gallstone can develop in various ways. Some of the major tests to help diagnose this problem are:
- Ultrasound
- Liver function tests (LFTs)
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Computed tomography (CT)
- Cholescintigraphy (HIDA scan)
- Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
According to Dr. Ashish Dua, senior director of PGI Chandigarh and a radiologist, “80% of gallstones are cholesterol stones and form due to our dietary habits like taking heavy, fatty meals.”
Cost of gallstone treatment
The basic cost of gallstone surgery is approximately Rs. 45,000 to Rs. 55,000. However, the total cost varies based on the following:
- The number and size of the gallstones
- Surgeon’s fees
- Diagnostic tests
- Technique used
- Hospitalization expenses, etc.
How to pay for Gallstone Treatment in Mumbai?
You can choose GMoney to pay for Gallstone Treatment in Mumbai. GMoney offers medical finance assistance for gallstone surgery and all other medical-related expenses. You can easily apply online for a medical loan with GMoney and repay in smaller EMIs, thus relieving you of financial burden. GMoney allows you to repay in zero-cost EMIs with flexible tenure and help you in medical emergencies.
FAQs
What are the side effects of gallstone?
If gallstones block your bile duct or duodenum, it restricts the flow of digestive juices to the pancreas. This further leads to jaundice and acute pancreatitis. Moreover, if a stone gets stuck in the opening of the gallbladder, the contraction of the gallbladder may cause severe pain.
Can you live a normal life with gallstones?
If your gallstone is not causing any symptoms, and there is no pain, then you can live a normal life with gallstone. You usually don’t need surgery unless the gallstones cause pain. If you are in pain, then only your doctor will recommend gallstone treatment.
What happens if you have gallstones for too long?
If gallstones remain lodged in a bile duct, they can cause blockage, and can eventually result in severe life threatening complications. In addition, if left untreated for a longer time, they might increase the risk of gallbladder cancer.
Can gallstones be treated without surgery?
There are cases when gallstones can be treated with medicine. Certain chemicals may dissolve some gallstones. However, larger stones or those causing severe pain will require gallstone surgery.
For how long can you postpone gallstone surgery?
If your doctor has suggested gallstone surgery, you should go for it as soon as possible, as delaying it will pose the risk of complications.
Do all gallstones need treatment?
Gallstone treatment is not usually decided by the size and the numbers. Only the location of the stone, and the symptoms it is causing decide treatment. If a patient has symptoms, then even a single small stone needs removal. Similarly, if patients have no symptoms, and gallstones are detected, then it can be left untreated.
Conclusion
If you have been diagnosed with a gallstone, your doctor may recommend surgery. If you want to avoid surgery, sometimes medications may help dissolve the stone, but the gallstone can return. If your gallstone is not causing symptoms, you can wait and make specific lifestyle changes to prevent it from getting bigger.
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