Endoscopic Surgery

Endoscopic Surgery

Endoscopic Surgery

Gallstones form when substances in bile (such as cholesterol or bilirubin) become imbalanced and crystallize, creating solid particles in the gallbladder. There are two main types of gallstones: cholesterol and pigment stones — most common being cholesterol stones, which are not directly linked to abnormal lipid profiles.

What Causes Gallstones?

1. Excess cholesterol in bile:
If the liver secretes more cholesterol than bile can dissolve, excess cholesterol can form crystals and eventually stones.

2. Excess bilirubin:
Conditions like liver cirrhosis, biliary tract infections, or hemolytic anemia can cause the liver to produce too much bilirubin.

3. Incomplete emptying of the gallbladder:
If the gallbladder doesn't empty completely or often enough, bile becomes concentrated and stones can form.

What Are the Risk Factors?

Risk Factors: Obesity, rapid weight loss, pregnancy, gender (more common in women), age, diabetes, cirrhosis, and certain blood disorders.

  • Pain in the upper right abdomen (biliary colic), especially radiating to the back
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes, if bile flow is blocked due to a stone in the common bile duct)
  • Fever and chills (if infection occurs)
What Treatment Options Are Available?
  1. Medications: Medications and alternative therapies have very limited role.
  2. Surgical Treatment:
    • Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal): The most common treatment for symptomatic gallstones. It is minimally invasive and removing the gallbladder is the definitive solution.
    • ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): Used to remove stones from the bile ducts.

Before deciding on surgery, a careful medical history and assessment is important to rule out concomitant diseases and ensure safe surgical outcomes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Individuals with a BMI over 40, or over 35 with obesity-related conditions like type 2 diabetes or hypertension, may be candidates. A thorough evaluation by a healthcare provider is required to assess eligibility.

The recovery process typically involves a hospital stay of a few days, followed by several weeks of rest. A special diet will be recommended to help your body adjust to the changes. Follow-up care includes regular check-ups and long-term nutritional guidance.

Common risks include infection, blood clots, and nutritional deficiencies. Its important to follow post-surgery care instructions closely to minimize these risks and ensure a smooth recovery.