How will you recognize the Gallstones (Cholelithiasis)

History of the patient is very important to recognize the gallstones (cholelithiasis). It plays 80% role to diagnose any condition. The gallstones may be asymptomatic.

Gallstones symptoms are pain in right hypochondrium which radiates to back of chest. Pain is colicky in nature and usually associated with nausea and vomiting and aggravated by fatty food and relieved by taking medicines. But pain ismore often dull and constant. Dyspepsia and flatulence

Clinical examination plays 10% role. Deep tenderness is present at right hypochondrium. Increased temperature of the body is also a sign. Gallbladder may be palpable if distended  by an  impacted stone in its neck.

Investigations play 10% role. Ultrasound of upper abdomen is a diagnostic tool of gallbladder stones. It shows presence of stones in the gall bladder with posterior shadowing. It also shows the anatomy of the gall bladder and the biliary tree and condition of the liver.

So the gallstones diagnosis is not difficult. Gallstone is common in females. The treatment of gallstones is the cholecystectomy.

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Posted at 23:59 |  by surgicaloperation

Introduction of Gallbladder Stones (Cholelithiasis)

Medically Gallbladder stones are called cholelithiasis. Chole means gall bladder, Lithia means stone, Sis means formation.( Stone formation in gall bladder).

• Common and present in 10% of population over 50 years of age.
• More common in females mostly in multiparous women.
• 80% of Gallbladder stones are asymptomatic.
• Symptoms are related to their complications which they cause.
• Aetiological factors of Gallstone are

1. Obesity
2. Drugs
3. Contraceptive pills
4. Clofibrate
5. Haemolytic disorders
6. Ileal diseases ( Resection, Crohn's disease)

Gall Bladder during open cholecystectomy

Types of Gallstones

1. Pure Cholesterol Stones

• 10%
• Often solitary, round & large (>2.5 cm)
• Radiolucent

Pure Cholesterol Stone

Solitary Gall Stone in Ultrasound

 2.  Pure Pigment Stones

• 10%
• Occur with haemolysis
• Small, black, irregular & friable
• Radiolucent

Pure Pigment Stones

  3.  Mixed Stones

• 80%
• Most common
• Usually multiple
• Often faceted
• Contain calcium, pigment & cholesterole
• 10% are radiolucent.

Mixed Gall Stones Pic 1

Mixed Gall Stones Pic 2

Mixed Gall Stones Pic 3

Mixed Gall Stones Pic 4

3 comments

Posted at 18:52 |  by surgicaloperation