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What are gallstones?

Gallstones are solid deposits of digestive fluid that may develop in the gallbladder. Cholesterol, bile pigments, calcium bilirubinate, and calcium carbonate make up their composition.

Types of gallstones:



Cholesterol stones: this is the most common kind of gallstone and is caused by an excess of cholesterol in the bile. It can also happen if bile contains too little bile salts, which help break down the cholesterol. They are usually yellow-green in colour and made of hardened cholesterol.


Pigment stones: these stones are made up of bilirubin, a waste product from red blood cell breakdown, and calcium salts. They are dark brown or black in colour and tend to be smaller than cholesterol stones.



What are the signs and symptoms of gallstones?

The following is a list of the most frequent symptoms of gallstones:



Abdominal pain: this condition may affect either side of the body and is often characterised as a cramping or squeezing feeling in the abdominal region. It is possible that it will be worse after eating, particularly a meal that is heavy in fat.


Nausea and vomiting: gallstone pain can sometimes cause nausea and vomiting, as well as bloating and an increased feeling of fullness.


Heartburn: this is a burning sensation that may start in the chest and move up towards the throat or neck. It may be worse after eating.


Indigestion: indigestion may cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, including bloating, burping, pain in the stomach region, or a sense of fullness even after consuming just a little quantity of food.


Jaundice: this is when the skin and whites of the eyes appear yellowish in colour due to an increase in bilirubin levels in the blood. It may also cause dark urine and pale stools.


Fever: a fever may be present if an infection is present due to gallstones blocking the normal flow of bile from the gallbladder into the intestines.



What are possible complications of gallstones?



Acute cholecystitis: this is an inflammation of the gallbladder which can be caused by a blockage of the gallbladder or bile ducts due to gallstones.


Pancreatitis: this is an inflammation of the pancreas that may be caused by gallstones blocking the pancreatic duct.


Jaundice: this is a yellowing of the skin and eyes due to a buildup of bilirubin in the blood caused by blocked bile ducts due to gallstones.


Intestinal obstruction: this occurs when a gallstone gets lodged in the small intestine or colon causing blockage which leads to abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever and bloating among other symptoms.



Natural ways to treat gallstones



Panchakarma therapy: panchakarma is an ayurvedic detoxification and rejuvenation therapy that helps to flush out toxins from the body. This assists in decreasing the size of gallstones.


Abhayarishta: this ayurvedic medicine is used to provide relief from gallbladder inflammation and spasm caused by gallbladder stones.


Lohasavam: this is a herbal decoction that helps in treating gallstones and other digestive disorders such as constipation, acidity, etc.


Kulathadi choornam: it is helpful in reducing the size of gallstones and helps in its easy passage.


Punarnavasava: it helps to reduce inflammation in the liver caused by gallstones and also reduces pain associated with it.


Punarnavadi kashayam: it is a decoction used for treating abdominal pain caused due to gallstone obstruction of bile ducts.


Dasamoolarishta: this medicine helps in proper digestion and relieves symptoms associated with gallstones such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, etc.


Haritaki churna: haritaki churna is made from dried haritaki fruit which has anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce inflammation associated with gallstones and also reduces its size gradually over time when taken regularly for long periods of time.


Guggulu churna: guggulu churna is a herbal powder made from various herbs which are beneficial for treating gallbladder issues including gallstones by reducing their size over time when taken regularly for a certain period of time along with other ayurvedic remedies.


Amruthotharam kashayam: it is an herbal decoction that works to reduce inflammation in the liver caused by gallstones and also promotes easy passage of stones out of the body when taken regularly over time.


Apple cider vinegar: gallstones are often treated with apple cider vinegar. It can help break down the stones and reduce their size.


Lemon juice: lemon juice has properties that can help break down gallstones and make them easier to pass.


Dandelion root tea: dandelion root is an effective home remedy that can help dissolve gallstones and promote their removal from the body.


Olive oil: olive oil is another effective remedy for gallstones as it helps to flush out the stones from your system.


Ginger root: ginger root is another natural ingredient that can be used to help reduce gallstone symptoms such as pain, nausea, and indigestion.



If none of the aforementioned treatments work, you may want to consider surgery.

What are the surgical treatments for gallstones?



Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: this is the most common and effective surgical treatment for gallstones. During this treatment, the gallbladder is extracted via small abdominal incisions. This alleviates the discomfort and symptoms linked with gallstones.


Open cholecystectomy: this treatment requires a bigger abdominal incision to remove the gallbladder and any existing stones. It is usually used if laparoscopic surgery cannot be performed or if there are complications with laparoscopic surgery.


Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ercp): this treatment is performed to find and remove stones from the bile ducts by inserting an endoscope into the stomach via the mouth or nose.


Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (eswl): this method utilises sound waves to break big stones into smaller fragments, which may subsequently be passed through the body naturally or extracted by endoscopy.



Best doctors to consult for gallstones?



Gastroenterologist: a gastroenterologist is a type of doctor who specialises in diseases and conditions of the digestive system, including gallstones. They can help diagnose and provide treatments for gallstones, such as medications and/or surgery.


Surgeon: a surgeon can remove the gallbladder if necessary, which is a common treatment for more severe cases of gallstones. They will be able to provide detailed advice on any potential risks associated with the procedure, as well as provide information on recovery time and post-operative care.


Internist: an internist is a type of doctor who specialises in general internal medicine, which includes diagnosing and treating conditions related to the digestive system, such as gallstones.

Gallstones are bits of solid material that may be formed in the gall bladder. The gallbladder is a little organ located under the liver. You won't not know you have them until they've block your bile duct, causing pain that will need immediate medical intervention, and even hospitalisation in some cases.They may comprise of cholesterol, salt, or bilirubin, which consists of red platelets. Gallstones vary in size. They can be as little as a grain of sand or as even the size of an apricot in many cases.

Women are more likely to develop gallstones than men. Read on to know more:

Causes: There are a number of causes for this condition, especially in women. These causes are as follows:

1. Intake of anti-conception medication pills, hormone trade treatment for menopause side effects, or pregnancy
2. Fasting
3. Malfunctioning of the gall bladder
4. High cholesterol levels
5. Gallstones may be created when there is excessive amount of cholesterol in the bile discharged by the liver. This bile normally separates the cholesterol and helps in the normal functioning of the liver and other digestive organs of the body.
6. Bilirubin: Bilirubin is a substance created when your liver wrecks old red platelets. A few conditions, like cirrhosis of the liver and certain blood issues causes the liver to create more bilirubin than it ought to. This can lead to complicated conditions like gallstones.
7. Bile: Your gallbladder needs to exhaust bile to be sound. In the event that it discharges its bile content, the bile turns out to be excessively thick which causes stones to shape.
8. Weight: Being overweight or underweight can also cause a malfunction which can lead to the appearance of such stones. The diet also has a bearing in such cases.

Symptoms:

1. Fever
2. A yellowish tint in your skin or eyes, which can demonstrate jaundice
3. Sickness or retching
4. Clay coloured stools
5. Pain in the right upper quadrant of your stomach area
6. Nausea
7. Vomiting
8. Other digestive issues

Treatment:

Numerous individuals with gallstones may be asked to go through surgery to remove the gallbladder. These include the following:

1. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy
The specialist passes instruments, a light, and a camera through a few little cuts in the midsection.

2. Open cholecystectomy
The specialist makes bigger cuts in the belly to expel the gallbladder. You may have to spend a couple days in the hospital after the operation.

3. Without getting operated
If you have a mild condition and your specialist feels you shouldn't have an operation, he may recommend medicines like chenodiol, ursodiol, or both. These medications work by dissolving cholesterol stones. One may experience mild loose motions as a side effect.

Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid that can form in your gallbladder. Your gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ on the right side of your abdomen, just beneath your liver. The gallbladder holds a digestive fluid called bile that's released into your small intestine.

Gallstones range in size from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball. Some people develop just one gallstone, while others develop many gallstones at the same time.

Gallbladder stones are accumulated deposits of digestive fluids that form in your gallbladder. The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ that is present on the right side of the stomach. It contains bile, a digestive fluid that is released into the small intestine during the digestive process.

The size of a gallstone can range from being very small as the size of a sand grain to the size of a golf ball. Gallstones usually require gallbladder removal surgery.

Symptoms -

Gallbladder stones usually do not cause any symptom. But if the stones get lodged in any of the ducts and result in obstruction, they may exhibit the following symptoms:

Pain within your shoulder blades.
Sudden and intense pain in the centre and upper right portion of the stomach.
You may experience pain in your right shoulder.
The skin s appearance may turn yellowish.
Causes -

There are no clear causes for the formation of gallbladder stones. However, there are certain risk factors that may trigger the formation of stones. Some of them have been listed below:

Excessive bilirubin in the bile: Bilirubin is a compound that the body produces to break down red blood cells. If there are conditions that lead to excessive production of bilirubin such as cirrhosis and certain blood disorders, then it can lead to the formation of gallstones.
Excessive cholesterol in the bile: Excess cholesterol retention in the bile is one of the most important reasons behind gallstones.
Impaired functioning of the gallbladder: If the gallbladder fails to empty properly, then the bile can become concentrated. This, in many cases, has led to the formation of gallstones.

A gall bladder stone is very common problem especially middle-aged women. It may be asymptomatic. But ignorance may lead to multiple complications like acute pancreatitis or cancer in the long run. Early intervention by an experienced surgeon can cure the problem without any surgical risk.

These Gallstones don t cause any problems in most cases. But prompt treatment is required if stones block ducts and cause infections and inflammation in the pancreas. This may lead to the removal of the gallbladder through a surgery, known as cholecystectomy, which further includes techniques such as laparoscopic (keyhole) cholecystectomy or open surgery.

Although it is a less vital organ, the body can cope up even after removal.

Procedure of surgery:

The surgery involves the removal of gallbladder and gallstones through several incisions in the abdomen. In order to see clearly, the surgeon inflates the abdomen with air or carbon dioxide.
A lighted scope attached to a video camera is inserted into one incision near the belly button. The video monitor is used as a guide for inserting other surgical instruments into the other incisions to remove the gallbladder.
Intraoperative cholangiography is the X-ray procedure which shows the anatomy of bile ducts. This is done before the surgeon removes the gallbladder.
Bile flows from the liver through the common bile duct after the surgery into the small intestine. As the gallbladder has been removed, the gallbladder can no longer store bile between meals but has no effect or little effect on digestion.
In case of open surgery, the surgeon reaches the gallbladder through a large, single incision in the abdominal wall.
Complications after gallbladder surgery:

This surgery carries some degree of risk like any other surgery. Complications such as internal bleeding, infection, injury to nearby digestive organs, injury to the bile duct and injury to blood vessels.

Types of gallstones:

There are three main types of gallstones. They are

Mixed stones: They are made up of cholesterol and salts. They tend to develop in batches.
Cholesterol stones: Mainly made of cholesterol, which is crucial to many metabolic processes. They can grow large enough to block the bile ducts.
Pigment stones: The colour of bile is greenish-brown, due to some particular pigments.
Medical factors to consider before cholecystectomy:

The most important factor is the consideration of your medical history. This is because the pre-existing conditions influence decisions on surgery and anaesthetic and information about any bad reactions or side effects from any medications would be helpful for surgery.

Self-care after the surgery:

Taking rest is the most important thing after surgery. Avoid things such as heavy lifting and physical exertion. The usual recovery period after the surgery is one week.

Gallbladder removal, termed as cholecystectomy, is regarded as one of the most commonly opted surgical procedures. Laparoscopic surgery for cholecystectomy is the process of removing the gallbladder with laparoscopic techniques. It is a minimally invasive surgery where the surgical procedures are performed with the assistance of different minute instruments and a video camera.

Advantages of Laparoscopic surgery for cholecystectomy
The most commendable reason why people favour laparoscopic surgery is that in place of having to undergo a five to seven-inch incision, this surgical process requires only four small incisions in the abdomen. Moreover, there is minimal post-operative pain and the patients are able to recover faster than patients who have undergone open gallbladder surgery. Most patients can go home the same day as the surgery and can have a quick return to day to day activity.

Determining whether you are a good candidate for laparoscopic surgery
Even though there are numerous benefits of laparoscopic gallbladder surgery, the process may not be suitable for all candidates as it is generally not suggested for patients who suffer from severe and complicated gallbladder disease or have a history of undergoing upper abdominal surgery. A comprehensive medical evaluation by the physician and subsequent consultation with the surgeon is essential in determining whether a patient is a suitable candidate for laparoscopic removal of the gallbladder.

Undergoing the laparoscopic surgery for gallbladder removal
Once you are recommended to undergo laparoscopic gallbladder removal, your doctor will advise you certain preoperative measures that you must follow before the surgery. It is suggested to take a shower the night before the operation and not to eat anything from the night before the operation. Also, drugs such as anticoagulants, arthritis medicines, and Vitamin E medications must also be stopped temporarily for several weeks before the surgery.

The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia. Therefore, the patient is asleep all through the process. The surgeon first inserts the cannula into the abdomen and then a laparoscope is connected to a specific camera through the cannula. Subsequently, other cannulas are also inserted which help the surgeon to separate the gallbladder from the attachments and then remove it completely through one of the apertures. Once the surgeon removes the gallbladder successfully, the small incisions are closed with dissolvable surgical tape or glue.

It is an overall safe procedure, and the rate of complications is much lower which makes it the most effective and popular treatment option.

This surgery involves the removal of Gallbladder, which is a pear-shaped organ that lies right beneath the right side of the liver. The main function of the gallbladder is to collect and concentrate bile, which is a digestive juice produced by liver after eating, aiding digestion. The most common disorder of the digestive system is the presence of Gallstones, which are the stones made up of a mixture consisting of cholesterol, bile pigment and calcium salts.

These Gallstones don t cause any problems in most cases. But prompt treatment is required if stones block ducts and cause infections and inflammation in the pancreas. This may lead to the removal of the gallbladder through a surgery, known as cholecystectomy, which further includes techniques such as laparoscopic (keyhole) cholecystectomy or open surgery.
Although it is a less vital organ, the body can cope up even after removal.

Procedure of surgery:

The surgery involves the removal of gallbladder and gallstones through several incisions in the abdomen. In order to see clearly, the surgeon inflates the abdomen with air or carbon dioxide.
A lighted scope attached to a video camera is inserted into one incision near the belly button. The video monitor is used as a guide for inserting other surgical instruments into the other incisions to remove the gallbladder.
Intraoperative cholangiography is the X-ray procedure which shows the anatomy of bile ducts. This is done before the surgeon removes the gallbladder.
Bile flows from the liver through the common bile duct after the surgery into the small intestine. As the gallbladder has been removed, the gallbladder can no longer store bile between meals but has no effect or little effect on digestion.
In case of open surgery, the surgeon reaches the gallbladder through a large, single incision in the abdominal wall.
Complications after gallbladder surgery:
This surgery carries some degree of risk like any other surgery. Complications such as internal bleeding, infection, injury to nearby digestive organs, injury to the bile duct and injury to blood vessels.

Types of gallstones:
There are three main types of gallstones. They are
1. Mixed stones: They are made up of cholesterol and salts. They tend to develop in batches.
2. Cholesterol stones: Mainly made of cholesterol, which is crucial to many metabolic processes. They can grow large enough to block the bile ducts.
3. Pigment stones: The colour of bile is greenish-brown, due to some particular pigments.

Medical factors to consider before cholecystectomy:
The most important factor is the consideration of your medical history. This is because the pre-existing conditions influence decisions on surgery and anaesthetic and information about any bad reactions or side effects from any medications would be helpful for surgery.

Self-care after the surgery:
Taking rest is the most important thing after surgery. Avoid things such as heavy lifting and physical exertion. The usual recovery period after the surgery is one week.

Homeopathy can very well dissolve gall stones of small and medium sizes, and relieve the gall bladder and body permanently from the pain, suffering and complications coming from gall stones. One of the benefits of homeopathic treatment for gall stones is that your gall bladder does not need removal, and being an important organ for producing digestive enzymes, it is better to keep it in your body. The other benefit is that you get a side-effect-free treatment, which is completely efficient and practical, and costs really low compared to other modes of treatments and surgeries.

But before one goes for a homeopathic treatment, a complete evaluation of the patient s case history must be done so that the right medicine can be given as per the case, history, severity etc. Here is a quick look at the commonly used homeopathic medicines, which doctors, depending on your case history, may prescribe for your gall stone.

Homeopathic medicines used for treating gall stones -

Calcarea carbonica: If you have a family history of kidney and gall stones, are anxious and slow, overweight with high deposits of triglycerides and cholesterol, then you would be given this medicine.

Chelidonium: If you get pain in any or both of the two patterns pain originating under your right shoulder blade and pain in the upper right abdomen, which spreads to the back, you will be prescribed this one.

Lycopodium: This medicine is usually recommended in case you have a family history of stones in kidney and gall bladder, along with other complications like, chronic digestive disorders, high cholesterol, gastric problems, constipation, peptic ulcers, gas and bloating. The patient may usually get biliary colic pains late in the afternoon. He or she may also get irritated easily, and hate contradicting opinions.

Natrum sulphuricum: The patient may have any or some of the problems like chronic diarrhea, gall stone pain, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, depression, obesity and problem in joints. On top of that, the patient may be too sensitive to changes in humidity and weather. In such a case, Natrum sulphuricum is given.

Nux vomica: If a patient suffers from nausea, colic pains, spasmodic pains, heartburn and acidity, gas and bloating, and takes too much of rich and oily food and drinks, then this medicine is used to treat gall stones for him or her.
As you can see, there is a remedy for all types of patients. Hence in case of small to medium-sized gall stones, you can always retain the gall bladder, avoid surgeries, and keep patience with systematic homeopathic treatment from an expert doctor. You will get positive results soon.

AVN is the acronym for avascular necrosis, which mostly affects the hip bone. This complication develops when there is a loss of blood flow to the bones. Being a living tissue, bones require a continuous supply of blood, and if there is an interruption to this supply for a long time, bones suffer from avascular necrosis. The longer duration of this condition may cause bone death. Apart from the hips, AVN may also affect other sites like knees, shoulder, ankles, etc.


Symptoms -

Usually, there are no symptoms in the early stages. However, as the disease progresses, it begins to hurt as you sit down or put pressure on the hip bones. As the disease progresses unabated, the pain may refuse to go away. Progressively, the hip bone collapses along with its surrounding joint tissue. Pain becomes severe and begins to interfere with your daily activities. However, it may take several months and even a year for the bone and the surrounding tissue to collapse.


Causes -

Causes of avascular necrosis may include:

Dislocation of thigh bone affecting the blood supply to the bone. About 20% of people suffering from hip dislocation or fracture may suffer from AVN Hip.

Chronic use of corticosteroids. About 35% of patients undergoing chronic corticosteroid use may develop AVN Hip. It is considered that these drugs may interfere with the ability of the body to break down fat.

Alcohol abuse too may lead to avascular necrosis much in the same way as corticosteroids.

Blood clots, arterial damage, and inflammation may also contribute to blocking the flow of blood to bones and precipitate AVN Hip.

Other conditions that may contribute to this disease are sickle cell disease of the blood, pancreatitis, diabetes, HIV, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, long term abuse of some drugs, etc.


Treatment -

The objective of treating avascular necrosis is to improve the functioning of joints, reducing pain, and stopping bone damage. In the case of early diagnosis, treatment can be done by taking pain-relieving medicines and by limiting regular use of your hips. Taking crutches to limit weight bearing by the hips may help to relieve pain and limiting damage to the bone. You may also need to perform various range-of-motion exercises in order to ensure continued mobility of the joints.

Treatment Outcome -

Needless to say, that the damage already done cannot be reversed. This is why the earlier the problem is diagnosed, the better it is for the patients. The best outcome of treatment depends on:

Age of the patient

Stage of progression of the disease

Location of bone damage and its spread

Removing the cause of avascular necrosis, if possible, which means stopping alcohol and drug abuse, taking precautionary steps after femoral dislocations and fractures, stopping the use of corticosteroids, etc.


Take Away -

The symptoms are not visible in the early stage of the condition. This is why a consultation is advisable if a person experiences any of the above symptoms.