Gastroenterology Specialist | Prof. Dr. Mehmet Çağlıkülekçi
GALLBLADDER STONES
Open the doors to a healthy life with Gallbladder Stones Treatment. Contact us now for treatment options suitable for you!
Gallbladder Stones
Gallstones are small, hard particles that can form in the gallbladder. The gallbladder is an organ that stores bile fluid produced by the liver and helps digest fats during digestion. Gallstones are formed as a result of the crystallization of substances such as cholesterol, bilirubin or calcium salts that accumulate in the gallbladder. These stones can grow over time and block the bile ducts, causing serious health problems.
Why Do Gallbladder Stones Occur?
Excessive Accumulation of Cholesterol
The gallbladder must function in a balanced manner with bile salts that can dissolve cholesterol. If the balance is disturbed, cholesterol crystals can form and turn into stones over time.
Nutrition habits
A high-fat and high-calorie diet may increase the risk of gallstone formation.
Age Factor
The likelihood of developing gallstones may increase with age. With the aging process, the balance of substances in bile may change and promote stone formation.
Dysfunction of the Gallbladder
The gallbladder must contract to secrete and store bile as needed. But sometimes the gallbladder can contract irregularly and slow the flow of bile, which can contribute to stone formation.
Genetic Factors
Family history may increase the risk of developing gallstones. The risk may be higher in people with family members who have gallstones.
Treatment of Gallbladder Stones
Treatment of gallstones may vary depending on the severity of symptoms and the size of the stones. Asymptomatic gallstones are usually just observed and do not require treatment. However, if symptoms are present or there is a risk of serious complications, gallbladder surgery (cholecystectomy) is the most common treatment option. This surgery involves complete or partial removal of the gallbladder. Laparoscopic surgery is a less invasive option and can provide a faster recovery process. Additionally, dietary changes can be made to relieve symptoms and, in rare cases, medications can be used to dissolve gallstones. The treatment option should be determined by the doctor depending on each patient's condition.
Gastroenterology Specialist
Prof. Dr. Mehmet Çağlıkülekçi
“ No Gallstones, Just Health!“
Frequently Asked Questions
The main cause of gallstones is usually chemical imbalances in the bile fluid. Causes of these imbalances may include high cholesterol levels, obesity, rapid weight loss, pregnancy, family history, and certain medications.
Symptoms of gallstones may include: abdominal pain or discomfort, nausea, vomiting, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), gas, bloating, and indigestion.
To diagnose gallstones, doctors usually use physical examination, blood tests, and imaging. Ultrasonography is the most commonly used imaging method.
Treatment of gallbladder stones can be followed in several different ways. Minimally invasive procedures such as dissolving stones with medications, gallbladder surgery (cholecystectomy), or extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) may be used to break up the stones. The treatment method depends on the patient's condition and the size of the stones.
It is important to adopt a healthy lifestyle to prevent or reduce the risk of gallstones. This may include factors such as a low-fat, high-fiber diet, maintaining an ideal weight, exercising regularly and limiting alcohol consumption.
