Gallstones
The gallbladder is a pear-shaped accessory digestive organ tucked under the liver in the right upper abdomen. The function of the gallbladder is primarily storing a small amount of bile juice and when we eat fatty food the gall bladder squeezes this bile through the common bile duct into the intestine. When the concentration of cholesterol or fats increases in the bile juice it precipitates as stone in the Gallbladder. It can occur in all age groups and in both males and females, though more commonly in females. The five F’s of gallbladder stone diseases are “A Fat, Flatulent, Fair, Female of Forty is more likely to have gall stones.”
Signs & Symptoms
The common symptoms of gallbladder stone disease or cholelithiasis are:
- Gaseous distension or bloating.
- Flatulent dyspepsia.
- Acute upper abdominal pain along with vomiting and fever. This occurs when a gallstone gets impacted at the neck of the gallbladder.
- Jaundice: This occurs when a gallstone drops down from the gallbladder into the common bile duct resulting in obstruction to the flow of bile and hence causing jaundice.
- Pancreatitis: This occurs when the slipped gallstone in the common bile duct irritates the duct of the pancreas gland leading to inflammation of the gland. This is an emergency situation and patient requires admission into the intensive care unit most times.
Diagnosis
- Laboratory Tests: Complete Blood Count, Liver Function Test, Blood Sugar, Urine Routine & Microscopy, Lipid profile
- Ultramind: Whole Abdomen
Holmium Laser Enucleation of Prostate (HOLEP)
Presently the gold standard for the treatment of gallstone disease is – Mini Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (Keyhole Surgery). This procedure is done under general anesthesia. In this procedure, small 3-4 holes (5mm) are made by the specialist in the abdomen through which telescope and other specialized instruments are inserted into the abdomen, and surgery is carried out watching a TV Monitor. The gallbladder along with the stones is removed. The patient is subsequently discharged from the hospital within 24 hours.
Advantages of Holmium Laser Enucleation of Prostate (HOLEP)
| Key Factors | HOLEP | Open Surgery |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital Stay | 24 Hrs. | Long Hospital Stay |
| Blood Transfusion | Nil | May Be Required |
| Scar | No Long scar | Long Scar |
| Risk of Hernia | No | High Risk |
| Infection Rate | Less | High Risk |
| Recovery Period | Quick Recovery | Slow Recovery |
| Patients with Diabetes | Can undergo | High Risk |
| Patients with Hyper Tension & Heart Diseases | Can undergo | High Risk |
