What are the preoperative examinations for gallstones?

A comprehensive examination is required before gallstone surgery, including imaging tests, blood tests, and functional assessments, to clarify the condition, assess the patient's physical condition and the feasibility of the surgery, and ensure that the operation proceeds smoothly.

Imaging examination is the most important step before surgery, which is mainly used to determine the location and morphology of gallstones, including abdominal ultrasound, magnetic resonance pancreatocholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and CT scan. Abdominal ultrasound is usually the preferred method, which can quickly and non-invasively detect gallstones and gallbladder inflammation in the gallbladder; MRCP can more clearly view the condition of the bile duct system and rule out common bile duct stones; CT scan is suitable for complex cases or suspected other abdominal lesions. Blood tests are to assess whether there is infection, bile duct obstruction or abnormal liver function. Indicators that need to be tested include white blood cell count, C-reactive protein, liver function-related indicators (such as ALT, AST, bilirubin) and coagulation function (such as PT, APTT). It is also necessary to comprehensively evaluate the patient's physical condition and comorbidities. For example, electrocardiograms are used to rule out heart problems, and pulmonary function tests are especially suitable for patients with a history of smoking or chronic respiratory diseases to ensure the safety of anesthesia during surgery.

Imaging examination is the most important step before surgery, which is mainly used to determine the location and morphology of gallstones, including abdominal ultrasound, magnetic resonance pancreatocholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and CT scan. Abdominal ultrasound is usually the preferred method, which can quickly and non-invasively detect gallstones and gallbladder inflammation in the gallbladder; MRCP can more clearly view the condition of the bile duct system and rule out common bile duct stones; CT scan is suitable for complex cases or suspected other abdominal lesions. Blood tests are to assess whether there is infection, bile duct obstruction or abnormal liver function. Indicators that need to be tested include white blood cell count, C-reactive protein, liver function-related indicators (such as ALT, AST, bilirubin) and coagulation function (such as PT, APTT). It is also necessary to comprehensively evaluate the patient's physical condition and comorbidities. For example, electrocardiograms are used to rule out heart problems, and pulmonary function tests are especially suitable for patients with a history of smoking or chronic respiratory diseases to ensure the safety of anesthesia during surgery.

Before surgery, you should pay attention to maintaining a good physical condition. Patients need to avoid eating foods high in fat and cholesterol to prevent increasing the burden on the gallbladder. If severe abdominal pain or fever occurs, you need to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension should adjust their medications according to the doctor's advice. On the day of surgery, you need to fast and not drink for several hours, and be admitted to the hospital for examination in advance according to the arrangement to ensure the smooth progress of the operation and recovery.