Stone in the gallbladder is formed as a result of gallstone disease. This is due to a violation of the exchange of cholesterol and bilirubin and, as a consequence, the formation of deposits in the bladder itself (cholecystolithiasis), or in the bile ducts (choledocholithiasis).
The disease appears due to stagnation of bile and changes in its composition, with inflammatory processes. When it is oversaturated with cholesterol, it precipitates, and cholesterol crystals begin to form. Bilirubin stones can appear with increased decay of red blood cells. Mixed species combine both forms and contain bilirubin, calcium, cholesterol.
A stone in the gallbladder, the symptoms of which do not appear for a long time, can only be detected by ultrasound. The symptoms of the disease are affected by the location of the stones, the degree of inflammation and damage to other digestive organs.
When a stone in the gallbladder comes out and moves along the ducts, bouts of colic appear in the form of a sudden and sharp pain on the right side of the upper abdomen. Painful sensations are often accompanied by nausea and vomiting, dry mouth. An attack of pain can last up to several hours. The pain goes away on its own or after the use of painkillers. In order to establish an accurate diagnosis, you must immediately consult a doctor at the first manifestations of the disease.
A stone in the gallbladder can be detected in a timely manner only after extensive diagnostics and laboratory tests. First of all, an ultrasound scan and an x-ray of the digestive organs are performed. In the event of a controversial situation, endoscopy or magnetic resonance cholangiography may be prescribed.
After the studies, consultation with the surgeon is necessary to choose the right treatment tactics.
Treatment of gallstone disease is carried out conservatively or operatively.
The conservative method includes drug treatment and shock wave choleliotrepsy. It is used in the formation of cholesterol stones having a size of not more than 15 mm and in the absence of inflammatory processes in the gallbladder.
Drugs containing ursodeoxycholic acid are taken for six months to one year. By their action, these drugs dissolve cholesterol stones. However, with this treatment method, the probability of re-formation is 50%. Such treatment is carried out only under the supervision of the attending physician. Shock wave treatment allows you to break up large fragments into small parts. Then you need to take ursodeoxycholic acid preparations. Re-education occurs only in 30% of cases.
When gallstones are detected, surgery should be performed as planned. It is advisable before the onset of colic or immediately after it, in order to avoid the development of complications. After the operation, it is necessary to observe a strict individual diet, completely exclude fried and fatty foods from the diet. Completely exclude the use of alcoholic beverages.
This disease is dangerous with various complications. In the presence of stones in the gallbladder, an infection can occur at the same time, provoking the development of acute cholecystitis. In this case, inflammation of the ducts and a large accumulation of pus are observed. Such complications pose a threat to the health and life of the patient. In all cases, urgent hospitalization in a surgical hospital is necessary to detect the exact location of the stones and further treatment. Otherwise, serious life-threatening consequences are possible.