“Bile” is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. Bile consists of cholesterol, lecithin, and bile salts. When these compounds become imbalanced, it can lead to “gallstones,” a condition that can increase in severity and become life-threatening… if not treated promptly!
What are the symptoms of gallstones?
In cases where the patient has early or mild symptoms, they may feel bloated, similar to indigestion. However, if the condition worsens or becomes infected, the patient will experience sharp pain in the right rib area or pain radiating to the right shoulder blade, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and yellowing of the eyes and skin. If a gallstone dislodges from the gallbladder and blocks the common bile duct, it can cause jaundice, inflammation of the bile duct or pancreas, which can be life-threatening!
“Surgery” is the most effective treatment approach
Young or healthy patients often have no symptoms… so doctors monitor their condition and decide on treatment as appropriate. For those with symptoms and no contraindications, “surgery” is the only necessary treatment! Nowadays, besides traditional open gallbladder and stone removal surgery, laparoscopic surgery is also available, which helps patients recover faster.
Patients with other underlying diseases should undergo surgery while asymptomatic and after their conditions are well controlled to a safe level. If gallstones cause severe inflammation, there is a higher risk of complications.
Postoperative care instructions
After recovering from surgery, patients can return to normal life but should avoid high-fat foods because reduced bile production limits fat digestion, which may result in loose stools.
Dr. Nopadol Narupiti
Specialist in Colon and Rectal Surgery
Surgical Center, Phyathai 2 Hospital
Specialist in Colon and Rectal Surgery
Surgical Center, Phyathai 2 Hospital
