Gallstones: Causes, symptoms, diagnosis, stages, treatment and prevention

Gallstones are hardened deposits formed within the gallbladder, made up of cholesterol or bilirubin and in adults, abdominal pain is often due to gallstones. Gallstones: Causes, symptoms, diagnosis, stages, treatment and prevention In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Hemant Jain, Consultant Laparoscopic and GI Cancer Surgeon at Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai, explained, “Bile is a fluid secreted by the liver. Gallbladder dysmotility, obesity, excess secretion of cholesterol, and bacterial infection increase the risk of gallstone formation.” The symptoms: Dr Hemant Jain shared, “Typically, there is severe pain in the right upper quadrant that comes and goes. If the stone has migrated and has caused complications like jaundice or pancreatitis, there will be yellowish discoloration of the eyes and urine, severe pain radiating to the back, severe itching of the skin and/or fever.” The diagnosis: Dr Hemant Jain revealed, “Gallstones are readily diagnosed by ultrasound examination of the abdomen. The attending doctor has to consider multiple factors, like the size of the stones, the age of the patient, the native place of residence, etc., before recommending treatment.” Preventive measures: Dr Hemant Jain advised, “Increased secretion of cholesterol in the bile and obesity are known risk factors for gallstone formation.