Medical Guides

 Gallstones         No comments

Several factors increase the risk of gallstone formation in bile:
• Gender.
Women between the ages of 20 and 40 are twice as likely to get gallstones as compared to men. Oestrogen (the female sex hormone) increases the amount of cholesterol in the bile. Extra oestrogen from birth control pills or hormone …

 Gallstones         No comments

The majority of people with gallstones are unaware of their gallstones. Gallstones which do not cause anv problem are termed as ’silent’ stones. These gallstones are often discovered accidentally as a result of tests(e.g. ultrasound or X-rav examination of the abdomen) performed while evaluating medical conditions other than gallstones. Silent …

 Gallstones         No comments

The gall bladder is a hollow, pear-shaped organ. It is located in the right upper part of the abdomen, just beneath the liver.   The function of the gall bladder is to store bile which is made by the liver. Bile is a digestive juice that helps the body digest fats. …

 Gallstones         No comments

Most gallstones are silent.
If silent gallstones are discovered in an individual at age 65 (or older), the chance of developing symptoms from the gallstones is only 20 per cent (or less). Such cases do not require any treatment.
In young individuals, treatment should be considered even for silent gallstones because …

 Gallstones         No comments

Complications of gallstones

• Jaundice
Jaundice occurs when a gallstone obstructs the common bile duct. There is yellowing of the eyes, the urine turns dark yellow and stools become pale and whitish like clay.
When a stone shifts and the block is released, the jaundice improves. The stone can block the bile flow …

 Gallstones         No comments

Diagnosis

Gallstones are diagnosed either when there are symptoms or signs that suggest gallstone, and the patient is being investigated for the diagnosis of gallstones or coincidentally while a non-gallstone-related
medical problem is being evaluated.
•Ultrasound.

Ultrasonography is the most important investigation for diagnosing gallstones.  An ultrasound confirms whether gallstones are present or not …