Is gall bladder stones a serious medical condition?

Gall bladder stones themselves are not usually a serious medical condition. However, gallstones, if untreated at the proper time, may develop into acute cholecystitis, a serious condition where the gallbladder becomes inflamed and leads to life-threatening health complications.

How many types of gallstones are there?

Depending on the chemical composition of the gallstones, they are classified into two different types, namely cholesterol stones and pigment stones. Cholesterol stones, as the name suggests, are made of cholesterol deposits, and pigment stones are made of bilirubin.

What is the role of the gallbladder?

The gallbladder is a part of the digestive system. It is a pear-shaped organ located below the liver. Its function is to store the bile secreted by the liver. It also aids in the digestion and absorption of energy from the food.

Can people with gallstones exercise?

Most people with minor gallstones (silent gallstones) may not have any issues while exercising. In general, exercise can be beneficial in treating gallbladder stones. However, it is advised for people with moderate to severe gall bladder stones to avoid engaging in high-intensity exercises like strength and weight training. Moderate physical activities such as swimming, stretching, yoga may not pose any threat to people with gallstones and, in turn, help boost their recovery.

Who is more likely to get gallbladder stones?

People with the following health conditions and lifestyles pose an increased risk of developing gallbladder stones such as diabetes, being obese, sedentary lifestyle, previous history of gallstones, pregnancy, spinal cord injury, and taking certain antibiotic medications.

Is turmeric beneficial in the case of gallstones?

According to various ayurvedic researches, there is evidence that antioxidants, vitamin C, and vitamin B6-rich foods, such as turmeric, can help regulate the production of bile in the gallbladder. This, in turn, can ease gallbladder emptying and prevent the occurrence of gallstones.

Can gallbladder stones be treated without operation?

With appropriate medications, it is possible to dissolve the gallstone. However, larger stones or multiple small stones causing intensifying pain may require immediate surgery to reduce its progression and complications.

How long does gallbladder surgery take?

Depending on the severity of the condition, age, location of the stone, type of surgery and various other health factors the time taken for surgery varies. In general, a laparoscopic gallstone removal surgery takes around 3-4 hours. Depending on the case, some patients are discharged on the same day.

What are the side effects of gallbladder surgery?

The use of anesthesia and mediation during this procedure can cause mild allergic reactions. such as itching, skin rash to severe side effects such as internal bleeding, surgical infection, or bile leakage

Gallbladder stones

Written By Dr. Sakshi SharmaBDS

Reviewed By Dr. Varun Gupta

MD Pharmacology, MBBS

Last updated on: 27 Sep 2022 | 06:23 PM (IST)

Also known as Gall stones, Gallstone disease, Cholelithiasis and Cholecystolithiasis

Overview

A gallbladder stone or cholelithiasis is a health condition in which pieces of solid stone-like objects develop in the gallbladder or bile duct. These gallstones are usually made up of cholesterol or bilirubin, and may trigger a sudden, intense pain in the abdomen. For some individuals, it may either develop as a single large gallstone, while for others, it may develop several small gallstones.

The primary cause of gallbladder stones is not clearly understood. However, numerous factors increase the risk of developing gallstones; which includes chemical imbalance of bile in the gallbladder, excessive secretion of cholesterol in the liver, post organ transplant adverse effects, and/or certain medications.

People who do not show any symptoms, usually don’t need any treatment. The treatment for gallbladder stones largely depends on the size and location of the gallstones. The common treatment involves dietary modification, medications, non-invasive ultrasound therapy (lithotripsy), and surgery.

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