Gallbladder Stone Operation: When do you need treatment?
Diagnosis Before Gallbladder Stone Operation
There are several tests and procedures that can be used to diagnose gallstones and complications:
- Abdominal ultrasound. This is the most common test to detect gallstones. The abdominal ultrasound involves moving a transducer (or device) back and forth over your stomach. The transducer transmits signals to a computer that creates images showing the structures of your abdomen.
- Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). This can be used to identify small stones that might have been missed by abdominal ultrasound. EUS is when your Gallbladder Stone doctor inserts a flexible, thin tube (endoscope), through your mouth and into your digestive tract. The tube contains a small ultrasound device (transducer), which produces sound waves that produce a precise image from surrounding tissue.
- Blood tests. Gallstones can cause infection, jaundice, and pancreatitis.
Treatment
Gallstones that cause no symptoms are unlikely to require Gallbladder treatment. Based on your symptoms and the results of the diagnostic testing, your gallbladder stone specilaist will decide if treatment is necessary for gallstones.
You may be advised by your doctor to be aware of any symptoms that could indicate gallstone complications. This includes an increase in pain in the upper right abdomen. You can get treatment if gallstone symptoms or signs develop in the future.
Several treatment options are available for gallstones:
- Cholecystectomy is a procedure to remove the gallbladder. Because gallstones often recur, your specialist doctor for gallstone may recommend that you have your gallbladder removed. After your gallbladder has been removed, the bile will flow directly from your liver to your small intestine. It won’t be stored in your gallbladder. Gallbladder removal does not affect your ability to eat and digest food. However, it is unlikely that you will need it to live.
- Gallstones can be dissolved with medications. Gallstones may be dissolvable by taking medications orally. However, gallstones can be removed in this manner over several months or even years. If treatment is stopped, gallstones may recur. Sometimes, medications do not work. Gallstones medications are not commonly used and should only be reserved for those who cannot have surgery.
Prepare for Your Appointment
If you are concerned about any symptoms or signs, you should first consult your family physician. Your doctor may refer you to an abdominal surgeon or a gastroenterologist if you suspect you have gallstones.
It’s important to be prepared for appointments. They can be short and there may be a lot of information. These are some tips to help you prepare and what to expect from your doctor.
What you can do?
- Make sure to be aware of any restrictions prior to your appointment. Ask the receptionist if you have any questions, or if you need to restrict your diet, before you make an appointment.
Note any symptoms that you are experiencing, even if they don’t seem to be related to the reason you have scheduled an appointment. - Note down your most important personal information, including recent changes or major stressors.
- Take a list of all the medications, vitamins and supplements you are taking.
- Bring a friend or family member along. It can sometimes be hard to comprehend all of the information given during appointments. You may forget something or have it forgotten by someone who is there to accompany you.
Ask Your Doctor
You have limited time so it is important to prepare a list of questions for your appointment. You should ask your doctor the following questions regarding gallstones:
- Is it possible that gallstones are the cause of my stomach pain?
- Are there other causes of my symptoms than gallstones?
- What kind of tests are I required?
- Are there any chances that my gallstones can be removed without treatment?
- What is the best way to remove my gallbladder?
- What are the risks associated with surgery?
- What are the other options for gallstones treatment?
- Do I need to see a specialist? How much will it cost and what insurance coverage will I have?
- These are my other conditions. What can I do to manage them all?
- Do you have brochures or any other printed material I could take with me? Which websites would you recommend?
What to expect from your doctor?
Your doctor may ask:
- When did you first begin experiencing symptoms?
- Do you have symptoms that are related to eating?
- Are you able to remember if your symptoms included a fever?
- Are your symptoms ongoing or intermittent?
- What are your symptoms?
- How long can your symptoms last?
- What can you do to help your symptoms?
- Are you experiencing symptoms that are worsening?
Contact the Best Gallbladder Doctor in Kolkata for the Gallbladder Stone Treatment.
About Docor
Dr. Azhar Alam
MBBS (Honours), MRCS A (UK),
DNB General Surgery
FIAGES (Gastro Intestinal Surgery)
FMAS (Minimal Access Surgery),
MNAMS (New Delhi)
Consultant Gastrointestinal, Advanced Laparoscopic and Laser Surgeon
Assistant Professor of Surgery, KPC Medical College and Hospital
