Gall bladder stone

Gall bladder stones are generally identified on ultrasonography.

Risk factors

• Parenteral nutrition

• Middle-aged female

• Rapid weight loss

• Obesity

• Pregnancy

• Diseases of the ileum

• Medications such as ceftriaxone, and estrogen

Symptoms

Gall bladder stones can remain asymptomatic and usually diagnosed by routine ultrasonography. The symptoms include:

• Upper abdominal pain

• Jaundice

• Vomiting

• Fever

• Stone may reach the bile duct resulting in fever, and jaundice

• Stones may pass down, resulting in pancreatic duct blockage and causes pancreatitis

• Large stone (>3cm) increase the risk of gall bladder cancer

Diagnosis

• Trans abdominal Ultrasonography is the most common diagnostic approach for gall bladder stones

• Endoscopic ultrasonography is indicated for small sized gall bladder stones

Treatment

• Medical therapy is not the most effective approach. Surgery is the most suitable treatment.

• Immediate surgical intervention is indicated for symptomatic gall bladder stones

• Asymptomatic stone should be followed up regularly. Gall bladder stones (3 cm) require operation.

• ERCP is indicated for stones passed in CBD

Need Expert Medical Guidance for Gall bladder stone?

Consult University Gold Medalist Dr. Ankita Gupta at Gastro Liver Endoscopy Centre, Greater Kailash-I, New Delhi for customized diagnostic evaluations.