As a physician with ten years of clinical experience, I encounter hundreds of patients with gallstones every year. Gallstones are probably one of the most misunderstood diseases in the medical community. Many people think that this is just a "eaten" problem, but the truth is far more complicated than that. Today, I want to share with you a true story through which you will learn about the real risks of gallstones and why we often recommend surgical treatment in certain situations. Last fall, a middle-aged lady came to my clinic in a hurry. She was pale, with cold sweat on her forehead, complaining of a sharp pain in her upper right abdomen. The patient thought she was just eating a bad stomach, but after our detailed examination and ultrasound imaging, she was found to have multiple stones of different sizes in her gallbladder. Her pain was typical of biliary colic, and this was not the first time she had visited because of it. I asked her why she hadn't considered surgery, and her answer surprised me a bit. She said she was afraid of surgery and had been hoping that diet control would solve the problem. However, the formation of gallstones is related to various factors such as genetics, weight, and dietary habits, and it is often difficult to cure them by dietary modification alone. The patient eventually opted for surgery after an episode of acute cholecystitis, which was very successful and she recovered well. This case is a classic cautionary tale: gallstones should not be ignored, let alone treatment should not be delayed, lest it lead to more serious consequences.
The relationship between gallstones and carcinogenesis
First, gallstones themselves are solid particles formed by the deposition of bile components in the gallbladder. When these stones block the biliary tract, they not only cause pain but can also lead to cholecystitis and cholangitis. Long-term inflammatory response is an important factor in the development of cancer, especially in the biliary system. Scientific studies have shown that the incidence of cholangiocarcinoma is higher in people with gallstones than in the general population. According to research data, long-standing gallstones, especially those that cause biliary obstruction, significantly increase the risk of bile duct cancer. This type of cancer is very serious because it is usually already advanced at the time of detection, difficult to treat, and has a poor prognosis. This is not to say that every person with gallstones will develop cholangiocarcinoma, but ignoring the problem for a long time will undoubtedly increase the risk. Therefore, if you have symptoms of gallstones, such as recurrent right upper abdominal pain, fever, or jaundice, you should seek medical attention promptly for a detailed examination and evaluation. In conclusion, gallstones may be more than just a simple digestive disease, and its presence may be a harbinger of a more serious disease. Regular medical check-ups, a sensible diet, and timely medical intervention are key steps to prevent gallstones from getting worse. Don't wait for your body to send a warning signal that you can't ignore, by then it may be too late.
Five situations in which surgery must be considered
Persistent pain or recurrent biliary colic: If you experience persistent gallbladder pain, or frequent episodes of biliary colic, it usually means that gallstones have begun to affect the quality of your daily life. This pain can be intermittent and usually occurs after a meal, especially after ingesting a fatty food. In such cases, surgical removal of the gallbladder may be an effective way to avoid serious complications in the future. Cholecystitis or cholangitisWhen gallstones block the bile ducts, preventing bile from flowing properly, the gallbladder can become inflamed, called cholecystitis, and if it affects the bile ducts, it is cholangitis. These inflammatory conditions can cause severe pain, fever and even infection, and surgery is needed to address these blockages and restore normal bile flow. Jaundice due to gallstonesIf gallstones block the main bile ducts that allow bile to travel to the small intestine, jaundice can be caused by yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. This is because bilirubin (a substance produced by the breakdown of old red blood cells) accumulates in the blood. Jaundice is usually a severe symptom that requires prompt medical intervention, and surgery is likely required to remove the blockage.
Gallstones are accompanied by pancreatitis
In some cases, gallstones can cause pancreatitis, which is when gallstones block the bile ducts that are shared with the pancreas. Pancreatitis is a potentially life-threatening condition that presents with severe pain in the abdomen and may be accompanied by other digestive problems. This condition usually requires surgery to remove stones from the biliary tract to prevent recurrence of pancreatitis. Certain types of gallstones at risk of becoming cancerAlthough it is relatively rare for gallstones to turn into cancer, the presence of large or large gallstones over a long period of time increases the risk of biliary tract cancer. Especially in the case of stones with long-term inflammation, regular check-ups become particularly important. In this case, the choice of surgical removal of the gallbladder is a precautionary decision to prevent possible serious complications in the future.
Preoperative and postoperative precautions
Pre-operative precautions: Doctor's consultation and examination: Before the surgery, a comprehensive physical examination, including blood tests, liver function and gallbladder ultrasound, is done to assess your overall health. Learn more about surgical procedures, risks, and expected recovery processes. Make sure all your queries are answered. Dietary modification: Do not eat for at least 8 hours before surgery to avoid complications during surgery. Reduce your intake of high-fat foods to avoid worsening your gallbladder symptoms. Medication management: Adjust or suspend certain medications, especially those that may affect surgery, such as anticoagulants, as directed by your doctor. Report all medications used, including over-the-counter medications and supplements. Preparation: Arrange for a family member or friend to accompany you on the day of surgery to make sure someone helps you get home and take care of you. Prepare comfortable clothing and essentials to prepare for hospitalization. Post-operative precautions: Pain management: There may be some pain after the surgery, follow the doctor's instructions to use painkillers. Use cold or heat in moderation to help reduce local pain.
Dietary recovery: Initial use of liquid or soft diets may be required, with a gradual transition to a normal diet. Avoid high-fat foods for a long time, increase dietary fiber intake, and promote digestive recovery. Activity and rest: Strenuous activity and heavy physical labor should be avoided after surgery to prevent the wound from dehiscence. Gradually increase your daily activity as you recover, while getting plenty of rest. Wound care: Keep the wound dry and clean, and change the dressing as directed by your doctor. Observe the wound for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, pus, etc., and seek medical attention in time. Regular follow-ups: Schedule post-operative follow-up check-ups to monitor recovery and deal with possible complications in a timely manner. Pay attention to your digestive status, such as persistent nausea, vomiting or indigestion to report to your doctor. With the above pre- and post-operative precautions, you can safely undergo your gallbladder removal surgery and return to your normal life as quickly as possible. Remember, maintaining close communication with your doctor is key to ensuring a smooth recovery after surgery.