Gallstone is a formation of minerals, fats, and hardened bile. It is common among the sedentary and those with a less than ideal diet. The fragments can range in size from a few millimeters to a few centimeters in width. They can exist without causing any symptoms so most people go through life without ever knowing they have several of these inside them. However, sometimes they can affect us physically and we need to seek medical help for relief. Gallstone surgery North Shore specialists can assist in the removal of the gallbladder. But when is this procedure necessary?
Gallbladder Attack
Surgery may be recommended if the gallstones surgery North Shore have grown into a significant size and blocked the bile ducts. This kind of situation will result in excruciating pain for the patient. This so-called gallbladder attack will be difficult to contain in other ways. It will feel like a stabbing pain that lasts for many hours. The stones won’t go away on their own so surgeons will have to take them away, along with the gallbladder. Immediate treatment is necessary since inaction can lead to issues such as the inflammation of the bile ducts, the pancreas, and the gallbladder itself. These are serious and should not be ignored.
Screening Tests
Patients will be screened to see if they are the right candidate for surgery. They might undergo a blood test, an ultrasound, an MRI scan, and an endoscopic ultrasonography. All of these serve to check the extent of the formations, their sizes, and their positions. If the doctor concludes that there is no other way than to remove the gallbladder, then a surgery will be scheduled. This might be an open surgery or a keyhole surgery depending on the conditions found. Otherwise, various other treatments will be explored to see if a non-invasive remedy can suffice.
Alternative Treatments
Often the pain does go away and the symptoms can be managed. You won’t have to resort to surgery. You would only need to stick to a more sensible diet for this condition. Doctors will probably tell you to avoid fatty foods since cholesterol contributes to gallstone formation. They might also recommend medication to slowly dissolve the stones but this process takes a lot of time. Be prepared to medicate for months or years to see progress.
Surgery is a risky process but sometimes it is the best option to provide immediate relief for the patient.
