Complications Of Gallbladder Stone And Its Treatment
Gallbladder stone is a very common problem nowadays. Thus, it comes as no surprise that the number of people seeking gallbladder stone surgery these days, is on the rise. While some of them have no symptoms regarding the gall stones, some suffer severe pain and discomfort. These annoying symptoms can be managed effectively with diet and medications.
However, gall bladder stone surgery is usually the only treatment for the same. If left untreated, it can bring some complications. Some of them are gall bladder inflammation, infection of the bile ducts, acute pancreatitis, and gall bladder cancer (rarely). Let’s explain them one by one, in brief-
Inflammation Of Gall Bladder:
It is also called acute cholecystitis. It happens when the bile starts to secrete in the gall bladder. It onsets when the stones prevent the bile from secreting into tubes and causes inflammation in the bladder.
Its Most Common Symptoms are:
- Severe pain in the upper abdomen
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
For mild inflammation, the doctor may prescribe medicines and antibiotics to prevent the infection from spreading further, but in severe cases, the doctor may suggests Gall Bladder Stone Surgery to remove the gallbladder altogether.
Infection Of The Bile Ducts:
It is also called Acute Cholangitis. It happens, when the bile ducts become blocked and bacterias start to grow in the ducts and cause infection.
Its Most Common Symptoms are:
- Severe pain in the upper abdomen
- Pain that can spread towards your shoulder.
- Jaundice
- High fever
- Irritation in the skin
Doctor prefers antibiotics treatment first to notice if there is any improvement. If no significant improvement occurs, generally they recommend Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).
Acute Pancreatitis:
Pancreatitis is a severe disease. It happens when a stone set in the bile duct and blocks the opening of the pancreas. The digestive juice, which is produced in the pancreas becomes unable to drain and leads to pancreatitis. It causes severe inflammation in the pancreas and also it can be life-threatening if not treated in time.
Its Most Common Symptoms are:
- Diarrhea
- Poor appetite
- High fever
- Vomiting
It requires immediate hospitalization, so the doctor starts the treatment with intravenous fluids, antibiotics, pain killer, etc to stabilize the patient. After that, a thorough investigation and treatment of the underlying conditions begin.
Gall Bladder Cancer:
Though it is rare, it is a very serious complication of gallstones. This rare complication gets more serious and a likely scenario, if you have a family history of gallstones or have too much calcium in your gall bladder.
Its Most Common Symptoms are:
- Severe pain in the abdomen
- Vomiting
- Jaundice
- Fever
Gall Bladder Surgery must be needed even if your gallstones aren’t causing any symptoms. It is the only way to prevent the possibilities of any unwanted medical complications. These days, gall bladder operation has become even more effective and safer, without any complication through laparoscopic surgery.
