Gallstones

Question 1

Who are more likely to develop gallstones?

Answer 1

Women are 2-3 times more likely to develop gallstones (attributably to oestrogen)

Question 2

What are the two types of gallstones?

Answer 2

Cholesterol gallstones

Black and brown pigment gallstones

Question 3

Who are more at risk of developing cholesterol gallstones?

Answer 3

women

Question 4

How does pregnancy contribute to the risk of cholesterol gallstones?

Answer 4

High progesterone levels during pregnancy reduce the contractility of the gallbladder, leading to prolonged retention and greater concentration of bile in the gallbladder.

Question 5

Why do gallstones form?

Answer 5

Because of high concentrations of bile which then turn into crystals.
These crystals are then trapped in the gallbladder mucus, producing gallbladder sludge, over time these grow and become macroscopic stones.
Occlusion of the ducts by the sludge and/or stones produces the complications associated with gallstones.

Question 6

What would a person with gallstones look like?

Answer 6

Pain in stomach area or upper right quadrant of abdomen; pain after meals;
vomiting
jaundice
dark urine
light-coloured stools
fever
Pain is not relieved by antacids, defecations, flatus or positional changes.

Question 7

Rebound tenderness and guarding in upper right quadrant; positive Murphy sig; fever, tachycardia. and absence of peritoneal signs; often suggests

Answer 7

Acute choleystitis

Question 8

What could be some complications of gallstones?

Answer 8

Gallbladder cancer,
Acute pancreatitis
Jaundice,