Gallbladder stone: symptoms, prevention and treatment of cholelithiasis

You may not know exactly what cholelithiasis means, but you have certainly heard about its “most popular name”: gallstones.

Cholelithiasis or gallstone is the presence of stones inside the gallbladder. It is worth noting that the gallbladder is a small “bag-shaped” organ, located close to the liver, and which stores bile – the liquid produced by the liver. After feeding occurs, the gallbladder contracts, releasing bile to the intestine that will come into contact with the food, continuing the digestion initiated by the stomach.

Hamilton Funes, specialist in Morbid Obesity Surgery, Laparoscopic Surgery, Digestive System Cancer Surgery, Gastroenterology, Intensive Care, Nutrology and General Surgery at Clínica Nuclehum, in São José do Rio Preto (SP), emphasizes that the gallbladder is a musculomembranous sac, containing in its interior part of the bile produced continuously by the liver.

“Bile is made up mainly of water, bile salts, bilirubin and cholesterol, as well as electrolytes and fatty acids. The gallbladder stone, that is, vesicular lithiasis, is formed by the precipitation of some of its components, under abnormal conditions of concentration”, explains the specialist.

According to Funes, the presence of calculus (stone) in the gallbladder is very common. “It is estimated that approximately 20 million people have cholelithiasis in the US. In Brazil, few studies were carried out regarding the incidence of cholelithiasis, but some studies in necropsy and by ultrasound show numbers that vary from 9% to 20% in the studied population”, he highlights.

Who is the public most affected by cholelithiasis?

Funes explains that, according to the international literature, in women between 45 and 55 the incidence of gallstones ranges from 10 to 30%. “While in men, before the age of 70, this number is only 5%, and from that age onwards the incidence increases considerably, approaching what happens with women”, she highlights.

Gallbladder stone symptoms

The specialist explains that most people who have gallstones do not feel any discomfort, since most gallstones are asymptomatic, that is, they do not have symptoms. “Usually, the diagnosis is made when the patient undergoes routine exams”, says Funes.

However, in some cases, described by some authors, adds Funes, intolerance to fatty foods causes the gallbladder to contract, causing:

• malaise;
• seasickness;
• Headache;
• Pain in the right side of the abdomen.

“The most suggestive manifestation is the so-called biliary colic, which is characterized by intense, continuous pain and with periods of exacerbation (aggravation) on the right side of the abdomen, just below the rib, in the right hypochondrium”, emphasizes the specialist.

How to relieve pain during a crisis

In case of gallstones, what can be done until you go to the doctor, to relieve the pain?

“To relieve mild pain, a common analgesic such as oral dipyrone is recommended. In case of severe colic, the medication must be injected”, guides Funes.

How to diagnose the problem?

Funes points out that the person should seek medical help from the moment they present any symptoms, or are diagnosed with an ultrasound.

“The best exam to diagnose gallbladder stones is ultrasound, performed by a specialist”, explains the doctor.

Food after diagnosis

In case of gallstones, a low-fat diet is generally recommended (because bile has the function of digesting them). Therefore, the patient should avoid foods such as fried foods, sausages, red meats, margarine, for example. You should give preference to vegetables, fruits, vegetables and grains in your daily diet. But it is important that all these details about food are discussed with the doctor.

Gallbladder stone treatment

Funes explains that the treatment is the removal of the gallbladder, called cholecystectomy, “which today is performed by videolaparoscopy, with an excellent prognosis”, he highlights.

Videolaparoscopy uses three or four small incisions in the abdomen and, in one of them, the high resolution video camera (which transmits the image to an LCD screen) enters and, in the other incisions, the surgical instruments enter. The provider then performs the surgery while looking at a video monitor and the gallbladder is removed through one of the incisions.

The method is non-invasive, quick and generally requires a short recovery time. It is safe and has many advantages over open surgery.

How to prevent gallstones?

Is it possible to avoid this problem? Funes explains that many authors believe that there is a genetic factor in the incidence of cholelithiasis. “The use of oral contraceptives may increase the risk of cholelithiasis and may be increased in pregnancy associated with the number of deliveries. In obesity, the incidence increases by 3 to 4 times, also appearing frequently when there is rapid weight loss,” he says.

Thus, some of the main risk factors/groups can be highlighted:

• Genetic predisposition;
• Women mainly between 45 and 55 years old;
• Women who have had multiple pregnancies;
• Use of oral contraceptives;
• Obesity;
• Fast weight loss;
• Advanced age.

“Periodic medical follow-up with diagnosis of predisposing factors is the best prevention”, concludes the specialist.

So, remember: if you have any symptoms (such as malaise, nausea, headache and pain in the right side of the abdomen) don’t hesitate to look for a doctor. But, in addition, always do routine exams, as this is one of the best ways to take care of your health, avoiding any kind of problem.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.