The gallbladder is located beneath the liver and is where bile, secreted by the liver, is collected. The liver secretes approximately 500-1500 ml of bile daily. A portion of this bile is stored in the gallbladder. During digestion, the gallbladder contracts and releases bile into the intestine. This is how fatty foods are absorbed.
Causes of Gallstone Formation
The risk of developing gallstones increases with age.
They are more common in women.
They are more common in people with fair skin and blonde hair.
The risk is higher in those who have given birth many times.
Overweight individuals are always at higher risk.
The risk increases as cholesterol levels rise.
Genetic predisposition is important.
In fact, the foods consumed do not have a direct effect on gallstone formation. However, if stones are already present, eggs, alcohol, fatty foods, and legumes with shells increase the likelihood of pain. During prolonged fasting, bile flow decreases and begins to form sediment. The resulting sediments create a زمینه for gallstones. These stones are usually soft, gray-brown in color, easily crushed stones composed of cholesterol crystals.
Gallbladder inflammation (Cholecystitis)
Gallbladder stones usually do not cause any symptoms. Diagnosis is often made during a check-up or incidentally during the diagnosis of other diseases. The stones can block the gallbladder duct, preventing bile flow. In this case, edema occurs in the gallbladder wall. This is called gallbladder inflammation, and symptoms begin at this stage. A large number of stones, very small stones, or stones larger than 2-3 cm increase the likelihood of gallbladder inflammation. If the blockage persists, decay and perforation of the gallbladder wall may occur. In this case, abdominal pain may occur. In addition, symptoms such as indigestion and bloating may also occur. If severe abdominal pain occurs due to perforation, requiring emergency surgery, the patient will need to be able to breathe.
Diseases Caused by Gallstones
Especially small stones, some as small as millimeters, can fall into the main bile duct connecting the liver to the duodenum, causing a blockage of the main bile duct. This can lead to a condition called non-infectious jaundice, which darkens the urine, and causes intermittent “colic pain.” This disease can damage the liver. If infection and fever are also present, inflammation of the bile duct, called cholangitis, may develop. If the stones block the opening of the bile duct into the duodenum, it can lead to a very serious disease called pancreatitis. Pancreatitis can be mild or can lead to a life-threatening condition requiring intensive care.
Treatment
For gallstones that are usually found incidentally and do not cause discomfort, we only monitor patients aged 70-75 and older, excluding those with acute cholecystitis, which is an inflammatory condition of the gallbladder, without the need for surgery. We recommend surgery if the following conditions are present:
* Gallbladders with millimeter-sized stones that carry the risk of blocking the gallbladder duct and causing obstruction by spilling into the main bile duct
* Stones larger than 2 cm that pose a risk of chronic gallbladder inflammation and, although with a very low risk, gallbladder cancer
* Stones that cause pain, indigestion, bloating, and similar complaints regardless of their size
* Gallbladders containing stones; In the presence of diabetes, which can lead to the possibility of rapid infection risk, perforation, and decreased pain sensation:
*In the presence of polyps larger than 5 mm in diameter (especially over 10 mm) and rapidly growing polyps
*In patients with inflammatory gallbladder disease (acalculous cholecystitis) that does not contain stones
*In cases of inflammatory gallbladder disease (cholecystitis) and gallbladder perforation, surgery is recommended.
How is Gallbladder Surgery Performed?
Gallbladder surgery is performed laparoscopically (closed). This method allows for faster healing, a lower risk of wound infection and hernia, and a more aesthetic appearance because the abdominal area is not incised. Through 1 cm incisions, the gallbladder and stones are removed. The operation takes approximately 20 minutes. The patient is usually discharged the next day.
