Working hand in hand with the liver, the gall bladder is a minor organ in the body that helps to store and concentrate bile which is released into the digestive tract when fat is available for digestion. All this is made possible through a well organized system of tubes or channels arising from the liver, through the gallbladder to the alimentary canal. Unfortunately, this system may be compromised to a point where surgery has to be done to bring back normal function. Consequent sections of this article give more details about gallbladder surgery Queens NY residents may find useful.
The presence of gallstones, also medically referred to as cholelithiasis, is one of the diseases affecting the gall bladder that may require removal of the organ for cure. In this condition, crystallized molecules composed of different elements form within the bladder, interfering with its normal function. There are two main types of stones, cholesterol stones and pigment stones of which over fifty percent are cholesterol in form. A person is at a greater risk of having the stones if they have had a similar episode in the past, if they are obese, chronically dehydrated, if they are female and if older than forty years of age.
The outstanding presenting complaint for suspected gallstones is abdominal pain, especially around the region of the upper quadrant on the right, where the inflamed bladder is situated. The colicky nature of the pain is attributed to peristaltic movement of gall stones between the organ itself and its related ducts. The patient tends to feel more discomfort if the stones are larger in size and if there are regular bouts of stone dislodgement into the duct system.
A patient with gallstones may also have a swollen abdomen, yellow discouration of the skin and regular bouts of vomiting. Clearly, such patients are very sick and should be closely observed. Dehydration can result in a reduction in body fluid volume and eventual compromise in blood supply to vital organs. It is therefore critical to replace any losses with the right amount of intravenous fluids. Their pain should be taken care of using the necessary pain medication.
It is important for the doctor to have a high index of suspicion because the consequences of untreated gallstones are unpalatable. This is because the associated inflammatory process and the building up of pressure within the limited space can result in the organ bursting and leakage of its contents. This further stimulates a new inflammatory process in the surrounding structures. The situation should therefore be treated with urgency to avoid further damage.
The mainstay of treatment for gallstones is gall bladder removal, otherwise known as cholecystectomy. Preoperatively, certain blood tests including liver function test should be performed to ensure the patient is fit for surgery. Also, an abdominal ultrasound needs to be done to confirm the diagnosis and to define the region of disease. Surgery is usually done under general anaesthesia.
Surgery can be done either laparoscopically or via open technique. Laparoscopic surgery results in fewer incisions and therefore has a better cosmetic outcome in the long run. On the other hand, the open technique takes much longer, is associated with more complications during the operation and leaves the patient with large hideous scars in the long run.
In conclusion, gall bladder surgery is indicated for eighty percent of patients with gallstones. This is because most patients present when they can no longer bear the pain or when medications have failed. Surgery is the preferred form of treatment since it eliminates chances of recurrence if done properly.
The presence of gallstones, also medically referred to as cholelithiasis, is one of the diseases affecting the gall bladder that may require removal of the organ for cure. In this condition, crystallized molecules composed of different elements form within the bladder, interfering with its normal function. There are two main types of stones, cholesterol stones and pigment stones of which over fifty percent are cholesterol in form. A person is at a greater risk of having the stones if they have had a similar episode in the past, if they are obese, chronically dehydrated, if they are female and if older than forty years of age.
The outstanding presenting complaint for suspected gallstones is abdominal pain, especially around the region of the upper quadrant on the right, where the inflamed bladder is situated. The colicky nature of the pain is attributed to peristaltic movement of gall stones between the organ itself and its related ducts. The patient tends to feel more discomfort if the stones are larger in size and if there are regular bouts of stone dislodgement into the duct system.
A patient with gallstones may also have a swollen abdomen, yellow discouration of the skin and regular bouts of vomiting. Clearly, such patients are very sick and should be closely observed. Dehydration can result in a reduction in body fluid volume and eventual compromise in blood supply to vital organs. It is therefore critical to replace any losses with the right amount of intravenous fluids. Their pain should be taken care of using the necessary pain medication.
It is important for the doctor to have a high index of suspicion because the consequences of untreated gallstones are unpalatable. This is because the associated inflammatory process and the building up of pressure within the limited space can result in the organ bursting and leakage of its contents. This further stimulates a new inflammatory process in the surrounding structures. The situation should therefore be treated with urgency to avoid further damage.
The mainstay of treatment for gallstones is gall bladder removal, otherwise known as cholecystectomy. Preoperatively, certain blood tests including liver function test should be performed to ensure the patient is fit for surgery. Also, an abdominal ultrasound needs to be done to confirm the diagnosis and to define the region of disease. Surgery is usually done under general anaesthesia.
Surgery can be done either laparoscopically or via open technique. Laparoscopic surgery results in fewer incisions and therefore has a better cosmetic outcome in the long run. On the other hand, the open technique takes much longer, is associated with more complications during the operation and leaves the patient with large hideous scars in the long run.
In conclusion, gall bladder surgery is indicated for eighty percent of patients with gallstones. This is because most patients present when they can no longer bear the pain or when medications have failed. Surgery is the preferred form of treatment since it eliminates chances of recurrence if done properly.
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