What are the complications of gallstones?

The main complications of gallstones include acute cholecystitis, cholangitis, pancreatitis, and biliary cirrhosis, which can be life-threatening in severe cases and require prompt medical attention. Complications occur mainly because gallstones block the bile duct, leading to obstructed bile excretion, infection, or organ damage.

Acute cholecystitis is the most common complication of gallstones, manifested by severe pain in the right upper abdomen, fever, nausea, and vomiting. If gallstones move to the common bile duct, it may cause cholangitis, and the patient will have the "triad": abdominal pain, jaundice, high fever, and in severe cases, sepsis. Pancreatitis is caused by stones blocking the entrance of the pancreatic duct, which prevents the discharge of pancreatic juice, leading to acute pancreatitis. Its symptoms are severe upper abdominal pain radiating to the back. Long-term untreated gallstones may also cause cholestatic cirrhosis, manifested by loss of appetite, abdominal distension, jaundice, and even ascites and coagulation dysfunction.

Acute cholecystitis is the most common complication of gallstones, manifested by severe pain in the right upper abdomen, fever, nausea, and vomiting. If gallstones move to the common bile duct, it may cause cholangitis, and the patient will have the "triad": abdominal pain, jaundice, high fever, and in severe cases, sepsis. Pancreatitis is caused by stones blocking the entrance of the pancreatic duct, which prevents the discharge of pancreatic juice, leading to acute pancreatitis. Its symptoms are severe upper abdominal pain radiating to the back. Long-term untreated gallstones may also cause cholestatic cirrhosis, manifested by loss of appetite, abdominal distension, jaundice, and even ascites and coagulation dysfunction.

To prevent and reduce the risk of complications from gallstones, the most important thing is to keep the bile duct open. It is recommended to control the total calories of the diet, eat more foods rich in dietary fiber such as vegetables and fruits, and limit the intake of high-fat and high-cholesterol foods, such as fried foods and animal offal. Moderate exercise helps promote bile flow, and it is recommended to do moderate-intensity aerobic exercise 3 to 5 times a week. For cases of recurrent attacks, severe symptoms or dangerous complications, surgical treatment may be considered, including laparoscopic cholecystectomy, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) lithotripsy, or percutaneous biliary drainage. If symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, jaundice or persistent fever occur, seek medical diagnosis and treatment immediately.