PATIENT INFORMATION

Gallstones


What are gallstones 

 Gallstones occur when bile forms stone, commonly due to cholesterol build up  

 Mostly not harmful, but they cause problems if lodged 

 Risk factors include high fat diet, obesity, rapid weight loss, and pregnancy 🤰


What are the symptoms of gallstones 

 Pain in the upper tummy (abdomen) 

 Feeling and/or being sick 🤮

 Fever (sometimes) 🌡


How do you diagnose gallstones 

 Having classical symptoms 

 Examination of the abdomen 

 Ultrasound scan of the abdomen 


How do you treat gallstones 

 Symptoms absent: no treatments required  

 Symptoms present: surgery to remove the gallbladder 


Why should I worry about gallstones❓ 

 If lodged they can cause: 

 Inflammation of the gallbladder 

 Inflammation of the pancreas (can be life threatening) 


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