What are the types of gallstones?
There are two main types of gallstones:
- Cholesterol Stones- These stones are the most common type of masses and have yellow-green color.
- Pigment Stones- These stones are small and dark in color and composed of bilirubin that comes from the bile, a fluid that liver makes and gallbladder stores.
Almost 80% of cases of gallstone are related to cholesterol stones.
Who is more at risk of developing gallstones?
Gallstone is a problem that is related to the body's ability to break down cholesterol. And there are many things that impact this ability such as age, gender, weight, hormone imbalance, etc. The people who are more at risk of gallstones are:
- Women are more vulnerable than men
- People of age over 30
- Overweight or obesity
- People who lost weight suddenly or rapidly
- Pregnant women or women on hormone therapy
- Women on birth control pills
- People with a family history of gallstones or diabetes
- People with liver disease
What are the complications if gallstones are left untreated?
Gallstones may not cause any problem for a long time. But if the size of the stones keep on increasing and they are left untreated, then you’ll have to face the following complications.
- Recurrent and intense abdominal pain and frequent vomiting
- Jaundice if the common bile duct gets blocked
- Acute pancreatitis in which the pancreas start swelling and cause multi-organ failure that can be fatal
- Pus will start to form in the gallbladder
- Gangrene & perforation of the gallbladder
- Cholangitis which is a life-threatening biliary system infection
- May lead to cancer in gallbladder
How to prepare for gallstone surgery?
The preparation of gallstone surgery doesn’t require extreme measures. Firstly, some pre-operative tests will be performed like blood tests, ECG, X-ray, ultrasound of the gallbladder. The surgeon will prescribe medications if necessary. And most probably, the surgeon will ask you to stop taking aspirin, warfarin, and other blood thinner medicines.
How laparoscopic gallstone treatment is beneficial?
Surgery is needed to remove gallstones from the gallbladder. It can be done via open surgery or laparoscopic surgery. However, the laparoscopic technique is preferred by people because it offers many benefits like:
- Patients experience less pain after the surgery
- It can be performed within 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Smaller incisions that minimize the risks of infection, excessive bleeding, etc.
- Faster recovery and allow the patient to return to normal activities quickly
- No major scars after surgery
- Minimal chances of recurrence
Apart from all this, when you choose Pristyn Care to undergo laparoscopic gallstone treatment, you get additional benefits like 30% discount on diagnostic tests, single deluxe room, 100% insurance claim, and free follow-ups after surgery.
What are the post-surgery tips for faster recovery?
Even though laparoscopic gallstone treatment is a safe procedure, the patient must be careful during the recovery period. A small mistake can have unwanted consequences. Therefore, it is better that you pay attention to every aspect of your life after surgery. The post-surgery care involves:
- You will be under observation for 24 hours after the surgery so that the doctors can make sure your organs are functioning properly, i.e., there are no problems during urination or bowel.
- Start by taking oral liquids on the day of the surgery such as water, clear soups, tea, coffee, etc.
- The diet must involve fresh fruits, vegetables, and fibre-rich foods.
- The dressing used to cover up the incisions are usually waterproof. So, you can take a bath when you are comfortable without peeling off the dressing/bandages.
- Physical activities can be resumed after laparoscopic gallstone surgery very quickly. The patient is encouraged to move to increase the sense of well-being.
- Medications are prescribed after the surgery to minimize the pain.
The surgeons will ask you to follow-up after the surgery to ensure that the incisions are healing properly and the gallbladder is functioning properly. Once you are completely healed, it is up to you to follow-up with the doctors.