Understanding Gallstones
Gallstones are solid, pebble-like particles that develop abnormally in the gallbladder, a small organ situated beneath the liver.
They can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. Most gallstones are less than an inch (2.5 cm) in diameter and come in two types:
- Cholesterol Gallstones – The most common type, primarily made of cholesterol.
- Pigment Gallstones – Made of excess bilirubin, often associated with liver diseases.
Symptoms of Gallstones
Most people with gallstones do not experience any symptoms. These “silent” gallstones are often found during an ultrasound or CT scan done for another reason.
However, when gallstones cause problems, they can lead to various symptoms, including:
- Indigestion
- Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Increased white blood cell count (leukocytosis)
If you have ongoing discomfort, consult a specialist for gallstones treatment in Sharjah to discuss your options.
Our treated Conditions
Risk Factors for Gallstones
Experts are not entirely certain why gallstones develop. However, many individuals have bile with an unusually high cholesterol and/or calcium concentration, which can lead to stone formation.
Several factors can increase the risk of developing gallstones, including:
Sex
Age
Family History & Genetics
Other Contributing Factors
These are swollen veins under the skin around the anus. It’s painful and itchy, causing bleeding occasionally. Sometimes, they are filled with blood that clots; it’s not very dangerous but can be painful with swelling.
Various conditions and lifestyle choices may elevate the risk, such as:
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Use of estrogen-containing medications (e.g., birth control pills)
- Rapid weight loss
- Frequent fasting
- Lack of physical activity
- Cirrhosis or severe liver scarring
- Diabetes mellitus
- Sickle cell disease
Possible Complications
If left untreated, gallbladder problems can lead to serious conditions such as:
- Inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis)
- Blockage of bile flow, leading to infection (cholangitis)
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Gallbladder rupture (perforation)
- Abscess formation (pockets of pus)
These conditions require urgent medical care. If you have severe pain or fever, seek medical attention immediately.
Gallstone Diagnosis
Diagnosing gallstones involves two key steps: confirming their presence and determining whether they cause the symptoms.
A combination of imaging and laboratory tests is used for an accurate diagnosis:
- Ultrasound: This is the most common test to check for gallstones. It can detect single or multiple stones, gallbladder inflammation, and fluid buildup. A Murphy’s sign (pain when the doctor presses on your gallbladder during the scan) may also indicate a problem.
- Blood Tests & Liver Function Tests: These help check for infection, inflammation, or liver problems.
- MRCP: A special type of MRI scan that provides detailed images of your bile ducts and gallbladder.
- CT Scan: Used to look for stones, inflammation, or complications.
- HIDA Scan: If other tests are inconclusive, this scan checks how well your gallbladder works and whether bile is flowing properly.
Dr. Jagpreet will recommend the best test based on your symptoms and medical history.
Non-Surgical Gallstones Treatment in UAE
Nonsurgical treatments are available for some people with gallstones, mainly those who cannot undergo cholecystectomy. These treatments remove the gallstones while preserving the gallbladder. But these treatments are generally not as effective as surgery.
Here are some options for non-surgical gallbladder stone treatment in Sharjah:
- Bile Acid Therapy (Ursodeoxycholic Acid – UDCA): Medication that slowly dissolves cholesterol-based gallstones. However, they may return after stopping treatment.
- Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): Uses sound waves to break gallstones into smaller pieces, allowing them to pass naturally. This method is rarely used and is most effective for single, small stones.
- Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE): MTBE is a powerful organic solvent that was previously used to dissolve gallstones. It was sometimes combined with ESWL to enhance effectiveness.
- Novel Therapies: Emerging treatments are being explored to prevent and manage cholesterol gallstones:
- Statins reduce cholesterol levels in bile.
- Ezetimibe inhibits intestinal cholesterol absorption.
- FXR agonists and antagonists are being investigated for their role in regulating bile composition and gallstone prevention.
Gall Bladder Surgery in UAE
When gallstones cause severe symptoms or complications, surgery to remove the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) is the most effective treatment. Although the gallbladder is not essential for digestion, most people live normal lives without it.
Types of cholecystectomy include:
- Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Minimally invasive procedure with small incisions. Faster recovery.
- Single-Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SIL-C): Performed through one small cut, usually in the navel.
- Robotic Surgery: Highly precise, with reduced trauma to tissues.
Open Surgery: Traditional approach, used for complicated cases.
Gallbladder Surgery for Asymptomatic Stones
Prophylactic cholecystectomy is the procedure for asymptomatic gallstones which involves surgical removal of the gallbladder even though the patient is not experiencing any symptoms related to gallstones. This is usually done only in selected cases where there is a high risk of future complications. Some such individuals are:
- Those who have large gallstones (>2.5cm)
- Those who have sickle cell anemia
- Who is a child as they will be exposed to long-term physical presence of stones
- Those who are morbidly obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery
Consult Dr. Jagpreet Singh Deed for Gallstones Treatment in UAE
With over 23 years of experience in managing gallstones and performing advanced surgical procedures, Dr. Jagpreet Singh Deed is a highly skilled general surgeon in Sharjah. He also suggests to patients some lifestyle changes, like taking Vit C (Indian Gooseberry and other sources) in diet to avoid the formation or increase in size of gallstones.
He specializes in minimally invasive techniques, prioritizing faster recovery and minimal patient discomfort. His commitment to excellence has earned him a highly regarded specialist in gallstone treatment in Sharjah.
