Gallstones Flashcards
1
Q
Risk factors for gallstones
A
Female, age, obesity, rapid weight loss, multiparity, high cholesterol, oral contraceptive, ileal disease
2
Q
Symptoms of gallstones
A
Asymptomatic
Biliary colic - sharp intermittent epigastric/RUQ pain. Worse after eating, resolves over 30-90mins.
Associated nausea and vomiting, indigestion, flatulence
3
Q
Signs of gallstones
A
Jaundice
Poorly localised pain (no murphys sign)
4
Q
Investigations of gallstones
A
Ultrasound scan
5
Q
Management of gallstones
A
Cholecystectomy
Ursodeoxycholic acid treatment - reduces cholesterol saturation of bile
Dietary changes - reduce intake of fat and acidic foods to reduce incidence of biliary colic
6
Q
Complications of gallstones
A
Cholecystitis Mucocoele (distension of gallbladder) Ascending cholangitis Acute pancreatitis Gallbladder perforation
7
Q
Pathophysiology of gallstones
A
Bile salts (cholesterol, calcium and bile pigment) precipitate out of solution in gallbladder to form hard stones Block the cystic duct when gallbladder contracts
8
Q
Gallstones differential diagnosis
A
Peptic ulcer disease Pancreatitis GORD IBS Cancer of gallbladder Hepatitis
