Gallstone Services

Gallstone

Are you experiencing symptoms of gallstones? Gallstones can cause discomfort and interfere with your daily life, but you don’t have to suffer alone. Our gastroenterology clinic specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of gallstones, offering comprehensive services to help you find relief and improve your quality of life.

Understanding Gallstones

Gallstones are hardened deposits that form in the gallbladder, a small organ located beneath the liver. These stones can vary in size and composition and may develop due to an imbalance in the substances that make up bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver. Gallstones can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and jaundice.

Diagnostic Evaluation

Our experienced gastroenterologists will conduct a thorough evaluation to diagnose gallstones and assess their severity and potential complications. This may involve reviewing your medical history, performing physical examinations, and ordering imaging tests such as ultrasound or CT scan. Accurate diagnosis is essential for developing an effective treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Treatment Options

Treatment for gallstones depends on factors such as the size and location of the stones, as well as the presence of symptoms. In some cases, conservative management strategies such as dietary changes and medications may be recommended to help dissolve small stones or alleviate symptoms. However, if gallstones are causing significant discomfort or complications, surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) may be necessary. Our clinic offers both minimally invasive laparoscopic cholecystectomy and traditional open cholecystectomy procedures, performed by skilled surgeons with expertise in gallbladder surgery.

Lifestyle Modifications

In addition to medical treatment, making certain lifestyle modifications can help prevent gallstones and reduce the risk of recurrence. This may include maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, limiting the intake of high-fat and cholesterol-rich foods, and staying hydrated.

Schedule an Appointment

Don’t let gallstones interfere with your life. Contact our gastroenterology clinic today to schedule an appointment for evaluation and treatment. Our team is here to provide compassionate care and support to help you find relief from gallstone-related symptoms and improve your overall health and well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Gallstones develop when there is an imbalance in the substances that make up bile, such as cholesterol, bile salts, and bilirubin. Factors that may increase the risk of gallstone formation include obesity, rapid weight loss, a diet high in fat and cholesterol, certain medical conditions, and genetic predisposition.

Common symptoms of gallstones include abdominal pain (particularly in the upper right quadrant), nausea, vomiting, bloating, indigestion, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). Some individuals may experience no symptoms at all, while others may develop complications such as gallbladder inflammation or blockage of the bile ducts.

Gallstones are typically diagnosed using imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI. These tests allow our gastroenterologists to visualize the gallbladder and identify the presence of stones. Blood tests may also be performed to assess liver function and detect signs of inflammation or infection.

While not all gallstones can be prevented, adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes maintaining a balanced diet, achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, and staying physically active can help reduce the risk of gallstone formation. It’s also important to avoid crash diets or rapid weight loss, as these can increase the risk of gallstones.

Surgery to remove the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) is often recommended for individuals with symptomatic gallstones or complications such as gallbladder inflammation or blockage of the bile ducts. However, for individuals with small, asymptomatic stones, conservative management strategies such as dietary changes and medications may be sufficient.