Gallstones

Question 1

gallstones (cholelithiases)

Answer 1

~ hard mineral or fatty deposits form in gallbladder
~ presence of 1or more stones in gallbladder or in bile duct, & symptoms & complications that they may cause.

~ most pt with gallstones remain asymptomatic
~ When stones irritate gallbladder or block part of biliary system, patient can experience symptoms i.e. pain, or infection & inflammation that if left untreated = severe complications such as biliary colic, acute cholecystitis, cholangitis, pancreatitis, & obstructive jaundice.

Question 2

asymptomatic gallbladders stones tx

Answer 2

do not need tx unless symptoms develop

Question 3

definitive treatment of symptomatic gallstones

Answer 3

surgical removal by laparoscopic cholecystectomy.