Gall Bladder Problems

Question 1

What are two disorders affecting the gallbladder?

Answer 1

cholcystitis and cholelithiasis

Question 2

What is cholelithiasis?

Answer 2

gallstones

Question 3

What are three factors that contribute to the formation of gallstones? Name a fourth factor that is required.

Answer 3

1) abnormal bile composition (for example increase in cholesterol or bile salts)
2) bile stasis
3) genetics (some people get stones and others don’t)
4) nucleus (a small bit where precipitation can start to form, can be from inflammatory debris)

Question 4

What are three types of gallstones?

Answer 4

1) cholesterol stones (mostly cholesterol, 80%, also have bile), most common
2) pigment stones, primary component is bilirubin, also has calcium salts
3) mixed stones (mix of components OR mix of types)

Question 5

What are the manifestations of gallstones?

Answer 5

• severe, colicky pain (intermittent, radiating)

- nausea and vomiting from pain

Question 6

How are gallstones diagnosed?

Answer 6

• history and presentation

- ultrasound and further scans

Question 7

How are gallstones treated?

Answer 7

• treat the pain
• dissolving agents that contain bile acid to dissolve the stone (ex. actigal)
• surgery to remove the stone OR the gallbladder if lots of stones (can be done by retrograde endoscopy, down esophagus to duodenum then up to gallbladder)
• treat complications (ex. cholecystitis, pancreatitis, perforation)