How do gallstones form?
A gallstone is a stone that forms inside the gallbladder due to precipitated bile components. The presence of gallstones is called cholelithiasis. The common reasons for gallbladder stone formation are:
- Bile containing too much cholesterol
- Bile containing excessive bilirubin
In all these cases, the excess cholesterol and bilirubin may start to crystallize and eventually turn into stones. Besides the above-mentioned reasons, there are two other factors that impact gallstone formation. The first one is the frequency and ability of the gallbladder contractions. If the contractions are incomplete and infrequent, the bladder won’t empty properly and cause the bile to become over-concentrated. The second factor is the presence of proteins in the liver and bile that either promote or inhibit gallstone formation.
Initially, the size of these stones is equal to a grain of sand. However, it can grow quickly and become as large as a golf ball. Moreover, the gallbladder may contain one or multiple stones of smaller or equal size.
Why should gallbladder stones not be left untreated?
When left untreated, gallbladder stones can turn into a serious medical issue. If you don’t take a proactive approach for your health and consult a doctor to remove the stones, it can cause the following complications:
- Inflammation of the gallbladder(Cholecystitis)- When the stone gets stuck in the bladder, it will cause inflammation, severe pain, and fever.
- Blockage of the common bile duct- When the stones enter the bile duct and get stuck there, it causes infection in the bile duct, jaundice, and severe pain as well.
- Blockage in the pancreatic duct- The pancreas is connected to the bile duct directly. Hence, there is a high possibility that the stones can travel to the pancreatic duct as well. If this happens, it will cause inflammation in the pancreas (also known as pancreatitis). Due to the inflammation, you will experience intense and constant pain in the abdomen and may need immediate hospitalization.
- Gallbladder cancer- Frequent occurrences of gallstones can increase the risk of gallbladder cancer as well. Though it is rare, it is better that you seek proper treatment to reduce the chances of gallbladder cancer.
Ignoring gallbladder stones is not advisable under any circumstances. You should consult a doctor and discuss what you can do to get rid of the stones permanently.
Get A Permanent Solution for Gallstones- Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal Surgery)
If you have smaller stones, it is possible that they can be removed through medicines. However, if the stones are large and present in a great number, the doctor will most certainly suggest gallbladder removal surgery, i.e., cholecystectomy.
People often feel worried when the doctor suggests surgery. But you should know that gallbladder is an organ whose function is to store bile juice. When the gallbladder is removed, the bile juice directly passes into the stomach, thus, the body’s function is not affected at all.
Therefore, cholecystectomy or gallbladder removal surgery is a permanent solution for gallstones. In some cases, having surgery is an option, but in others, surgical treatment becomes a necessity to ensure that the stones don’t cause any other kind of problem.
So, if you are experiencing sharp pain in the belly region, have a fever, or have yellow skin, visit a gallbladder specialist in Thrissur and discuss what can be done to treat gallstones.
Want to have a better understanding of gallstones and their treatment?
Talk to the most experienced gallbladder stone specialist in Thrissur at Pristyn Care.
You can consult with the best gallstone surgeons in Thrissur at Pristyn Care and learn all about the condition and its treatment. Most people feel anxious hearing that they will have to undergo surgery for gallstone treatment. However, they are less aware that there are modern technologies available nowadays that have made it possible to perform surgeries in a minimally invasive manner. One of the best examples of this modern technology is laparoscopic gallstone surgery.
The doctor will explain what the surgery entails and what you need to do to prepare for it. The doctor will brief you to ensure that you make an informed decision and feel certain about your choice.
Pristyn Care has highly experienced laparoscopic and general surgeons for gallbladder stone treatment in Thrissur. They excel in both traditional as well as modern approaches to treatment. In the years of practice, our doctors have helped numerous patients successfully who are living healthy lives. You can talk to our doctors one-on-one by booking an appointment with them.
Prevention of Gallbladder Stones
It is mostly our lifestyle that increases the risk of gallbladder stone formation. Therefore, you can prevent gallstones by making the following changes in your daily life:
- Do not skip meals– Try your best to stick with the usual meal times each day. Skipping meals can cause excess bile secretion and deposition.
- Lose weight slowly- Being overweight is a risk factor for gallstone development. So, if you are trying to lose weight, take things slow. Don’t push your body to its limits in order to lose weight, as rapid weight loss can cause the liver to secrete extra cholesterol, which can further increase the risk of gallstones.
- Eat high-fiber foods- Foods that are rich in fiber ensure that the levels of bad cholesterol in the body are minimal. Furthermore, fiber keeps the digestive system moving and helps to flush out the bile from the body. Therefore, it is crucial that you add more fiber to your diet.
- Exercise regularly- It doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to do an extensive workout, being physically active is enough. The less you move, the slower the digestion process will be. As a result, the bile won’t flush out correctly. Invest some time in exercising and leave the sedentary lifestyle behind.
- Take prescribed medications- People who are at high risk of developing gallstones due to heredity or other factors can take medicines to lower the risk of gallstone formation.
You can talk to a gallstone specialist to find out what else you can do to prevent gallstones.
Dietary Changes for Gallstones
The food items that you eat on a regular basis have a significant impact on the body. If you eat a healthy and balanced diet and combine it with physical activities, it can lower the risk of gallstone development to almost negligible.
According to experts, the ideal diet for gallstones consists of:
- Fiber-rich foods like fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Whole grains, including brown rice, oats, whole wheat bread, etc.
- Fewer refined carbohydrates and less sugar.
- Healthy fats, such as fish oil and olive oil, help to contract the gallbladder.
Along with knowing what foods to eat, you should also keep your cravings in check and avoid unhealthy fats, such as desserts and fried foods. Talk to your healthcare provider and ask them to make changes in your diet that will help you avoid gallstones and other health problems as well.
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