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