1. Causes of gallbladder stone formation
Any factor that affects the change of cholesterol to bile acid concentration ratio and causes bile stagnation can lead to stone formation.
2.Who is prone to get gallbladder stones
The incidence of gallbladder stones increases with age after the age of 40, and can be caused by female hormones, obesity, pregnancy, high-fat diet, long-term parenteral nutrition, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, cirrhosis, hemolytic anemia, family history of gallbladder stones, etc.
3.Diagnosis and symptoms of gallbladder stones
Hepatobiliary and pancreatic ultrasound can be a simple diagnosis, and if necessary, it can be combined with CT and MRI. A small number of patients often have vague pain in the upper abdomen after a full meal or eating greasy food, or have fullness and discomfort, belching and so on. Therefore, pay attention to the difference between gallbladder stones and stomach disease!
4.The prevention of gallbladder stones
(1) Diet structure has a very important impact on the occurrence of gallbladder stones. Experts recommend that frequent consumption of high-fiber foods can effectively reduce the occurrence of gallbladder stones, we prefer canola oil, olive oil, fish oil, etc. If you have a fatty liver, usually like to eat greasy food, pay special attention to oh. In addition, eating more nuts, vegetables and fruits can also effectively prevent the formation of gallbladder stones.
(2) For those who are losing weight, some information shows that losing more than 3 pounds in 1 month (rapid weight loss) and not eating breakfast can also lead to the formation of gallbladder stones.
(3) Estrogen and birth control pills also have a certain influence on the formation of gallbladder stones.
5.What kind of gallbladder stones need surgery?
Patients who do not have any symptoms can choose to be treated by regular physical examination and observation and by choosing relevant medication. However, once the following conditions are met, we recommend surgery.
(1) Patients with recurrent episodes of right upper abdominal discomfort.
(2) Obese women over 40 years of age with a long history of gallbladder stones.
(3) Patients of advanced age with more underlying diseases should be operated early to avoid life-threatening acute attacks of gallbladder stones.
(4) Patients with stones larger than 3 centimeters, gallbladder atrophy, combined with gallbladder solitary polyps and other patients with suspected risk of malignant transformation are found on physical examination.
6.Can I undergo biliary stone extraction?
No, it is not recommended. Any factor that affects the ratio of cholesterol to bile acid concentration and causes bile stagnation can lead to stone formation. If the stone is simply removed, it does not change the internal environment of the gallbladder, and studies have shown that the recurrence rate of gallbladder stones after biliary lithotripsy is over 70%. Therefore, the recurrence of stones after gallbladder stone extraction can become the biggest pain in patients’ heart! Currently, for most gallbladder stones, the preferred surgical procedure is laparoscopic cholecystectomy (minimally invasive treatment).
7. The best time for surgery
It should be reminded that doctors do not recommend surgery during the acute phase of gallbladder stone attack, because at this time the gallbladder has inflammatory edema, which not only increases the difficulty and risk of surgery, but also easily leads to avoidable surgical complications. So the best period is when there is no pain, and if there is an acute attack, please perform cholecystectomy 1-2 months after the inflammation is controlled.
8.What will be the impact on life after cholecystectomy?
The main function of the gallbladder is to concentrate and store bile, so a low-fat diet is required for a short period of time after cholecystectomy. Overall, after cholecystectomy, the impact on life is less. Therefore, patients with gallbladder stones do not need to worry too much.