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Gallstones do not always cause symptoms. However, if they become stuck, they can cause stomach pain that requires therapy and intervention. Professor Hemant Kocher, an expert surgeon, explains when gallstones become a problem and how they can be treated.
Are gallstones dangerous?
While most gallstones aren’t inherently dangerous, they can become so. They can become dangerous if they obstruct the gallbladder and impede bile flow. This leads to cholecystitis—an infection within the gallbladder, either acute or chronic.
If they become lodged in the bile, it can result in jaundice. Jaundiced is characterized by yellowing of the eyes and the production of dark, yellow urine. Having this condition can potentially induce pancreatitis. Both jaundice and pancreatitis are potentially fatal diseases.
Gallstones can enter the colon and produce obstructions, preventing food from passing through. When this happens, patients can experience abdominal pain and vomiting, which can be a serious condition.
The best way to treat gallstones is to consult with your doctor, who will consider your symptoms, scan results, and blood test results.
Can You Get Rid of Gallstones?
Small gallstones normally travel through your small intestines and out with your stool. Even if the stones keep returning, you may never need to do anything about them if they don’t cause any symptoms.
However, if your gallstones create pain and obstruct your bile ducts, you will require medical attention.
Even if you don’t have signs of sickle cell disease or another blood problem, your doctor may recommend removing your gallbladder as a precaution.
How to Prevent Gallstones?
Gallstones are caused by genes, and you may not be able to prevent them. Some lifestyle modifications, however, may help lessen your risk, such as:
- Consuming a healthy diet rich in fiber from vegetables and whole grains
- Consuming unsaturated fats from nuts, olive oil, and salmon.
- Limiting or avoiding highly processed foods and drinks
- Avoiding saturated and trans fats.
- Get some exercise regularly. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, five days a week.
- Although obesity is a risk factor, avoid diets that require you to drop a lot of weight quickly.
Consult with your doctor if:
- You are obese or overweight
- You have weight loss surgery
- You have a family history of gallstones
- You have other health conditions
- You are using hormonal birth control or hormone replacement therapy.
When is surgery necessary?
Surgery is necessary when gallstones are causing problems. Surgery is usually needed to prevent future issues caused by this condition. It may also be indicated if the patient experiences gallstone symptoms such as:
- Discomfort
- Vomiting
- sensitivity to fatty foods
Surgery is also an option if gallstones produce problems like obstructive jaundice or pancreatitis.
Gallstones are typically removed together with the gallbladder, not individually. If the gallbladder remains, it may be unable to expel all the thick bile, increasing the likelihood of gallstone formation. Therefore, gallstone surgery is often accompanied by the removal of the gallbladder.
