CONDITION OVERVIEW:
A gall bladder is a small fluid-filled organ attached to the liver. Sometimes the gallbladder develops gall stones which most commonly result in pain that is referred to as biliary colic.
Symptoms and Complications of Gallbladder Stones:
- Pain or abdominal cramps occurring at the right side of the abdomen under the rib cage after drinking a heavy meal, is the most common symptom of gall bladder stones.
- Inflammation and infection of the gall bladder “Acute Cholecystitis
- Obstructive jaundice which typically results in yellowish discolouration of the skin and eyes.
- Inflammation and infection of bile ducts “Cholangitis
- Blockage of Intestine “Gallstone ileus” (rare condition)
- Perforation of the Gallbladder (rare condition)
TREATMENT OVERVIEW:
The mainstay of the management of gall stones is an operation to completely remove the gall bladder to avoid recurrence of the symptoms.
PROCEDURE OVERVIEW:
Surgery is done through a procedure called laparoscopic cholecystectomy which means a keyhole removal of the gallbladder. Keyhole incisions are then closed by the use of dissolvable stitches. Discharge from the hospital generally happens on the same or next day.
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