Gallstones are a relatively common condition that medication or surgery can help to prevent from causing further problems. However, left untreated, gallstones can lead to complications — with some being a medical emergency.
In this article, we explain gallbladder complications, the symptoms to look out for and how to prevent and treat complications. Keep reading to learn more from expert upper gastrointestinal surgeon, Mr Achal Khanna.
What are gallstones?
Gallstones are small, hard stones that develop in your gallbladder. They’re usually made up of cholesterol and don’t always cause significant symptoms. In some cases, gallstones don’t require immediate treatment. However, sometimes you need surgery to remove them.
Gallstones complications
Untreated gallstones can lead to potential complications, although not in every case. However, if your gallstones move into another part of your digestive system or block your bile duct, then this could become a medical emergency.
Let’s look at some of the potential complications gallstones can cause.
Acute cholecystitis
Acute cholecystitis describes an inflamed gallbladder – a potentially serious condition that can require prompt medical treatment. A gallstone blocking the main opening to the gallbladder (cystic duct) is the usual cause. This blockage leads to a build-up of bile and increases the pressure until your gallbladder becomes inflamed.
Symptoms of acute cholecystitis
Symptoms of acute cholecystitis include:
- Sharp, sudden pain in your upper right abdomen that spreads to your right shoulder
- A tender abdomen
- Pain that worsens when breathing deeply
- A high temperature
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sweating
- Loss of appetite
- Yellow whites of your eyes and skin (jaundice)
- Bulging of the abdomen
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is where your pancreas (an organ that helps with digestion) becomes inflamed. Gallstones can lead to pancreatitis developing when they block your pancreatic duct.
Symptoms of pancreatitis
The most common signs of pancreatitis are:
- Sudden, sharp pain in the centre of your abdomen
- Nausea and vomiting
- A high temperature
Bile duct obstruction
Gallstones can sometimes block your bile ducts (the tubes that carry bile from the liver and gallbladder to the pancreas and small intestine). If a gallstone obstructs your bile duct, it can cause complications like infection, chronic liver disease and potentially sepsis.
Symptoms of bile duct obstruction
Symptoms of bile duct obstruction include:
- Light coloured stools
- Dark urine
- Jaundice
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weight loss
When to seek medical attention for gallstone complications
Knowing the potential complications of gallstones and when to seek medical care is essential. This is because some complications can be potentially life-threatening if you don’t receive treatment in time.
If you have, or suspect you might have, gallstones and experience:
- Jaundice
- Abdominal pain that lasts longer than eight hours
- A high temperature and chills (a fever)
Then, you must seek immediate medical advice from your GP or urgent care. Receiving medical treatment sooner rather than later means you can minimise the risks associated with gallstone complications.
Treating and preventing gallstone complications
The good news about gallstones is that doctors can treat them and greatly reduce your risk of complications. Depending on the severity of your gallstone symptoms, treatment can range from lifestyle changes to medication and sometimes surgery.
Lifestyle changes
Diet can help you manage your gallstones. Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet may improve your symptoms and control the pain they cause.
For example, your doctor may advise you to:
- Avoid fried foods and foods high in fat
- Eat lean proteins and fish
- Eat more vegetables and whole grains
Eating well may reduce the cholesterol in your body, which might stop your gallstones from worsening. It’s vital to remember that diet cannot cure gallstones but we recommend it if your symptoms are mild.
Medication
If your gallstone symptoms are mild, medication may help to dissolve them. However, they could return once you stop taking the medicine, which may again increase your risk of gallstone complications.
Gallstone surgery
Surgery might be the correct treatment if you’re at a high risk of gallstone complications or have significant symptoms. We might perform an endoscopy to remove gallstones from your bile duct. Surgeons do this by passing a long tube down your throat with a small basket-like tool to remove them. However, the procedure won’t remove gallstones from your gallbladder.
Gallbladder removal may be the best option if your gallstones are causing complications and severe symptoms. Surgeons can perform this using minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques.
You should speak with your doctor if you have gallstones and are worried about complications. Untreated gallbladder complications can turn into life-threatening complications, so seeking medical advice as soon as possible is vital.
Discover minimally invasive gallstone treatment with Mr Achal Khanna
Treating your gallstones is essential for minimising potential complications. Contact our team if a doctor has diagnosed you with gallstones and you are concerned about the potential complications.
Mr Achal Khanna dedicates himself to effectively treating gallstones and stopping the risk of complications in their tracks. Don’t put your health at risk – make sure to treat your gallstones as soon as possible.