How to diagnose and identify the type of gallstones

The diagnosis and type identification of gallstones require professional medical means. If you have persistent abdominal pain or other discomfort, please see a doctor as soon as possible.

Gallstones are solid particles that form in the gallbladder or biliary system, usually due to an imbalance in bile composition or obstruction in bile flow. Common types include cholesterol stones, pigment stones, and mixed stones. Each type has different causes and characteristics, so diagnosis and differentiation are important to determine treatment options.

Clinically, doctors usually use the following methods to identify. B-ultrasound is the most commonly used method, which can clearly show the shape of the gallbladder contents; for small stones that are difficult to find, CT scans and magnetic resonance pancreaticobiliary imaging (MRCP) can provide more accurate results. Blood tests can help determine whether there are complications such as infection or bile duct obstruction. According to the chemical composition of the stones, cholesterol stones are mostly yellow and have a low hardness; pigment stones are mostly black or dark brown and are related to chronic hemolysis or infection; and mixed stones have mixed components and complex manifestations.

The key to preventing and alleviating the symptoms of gallstones is to improve your lifestyle, such as controlling the greasiness of your diet, eating more foods rich in dietary fiber, and avoiding overeating. Regular exercise is essential for maintaining bile circulation. If gallstones are confirmed and the symptoms are severe, targeted treatment must be taken under the guidance of a specialist, such as drug lithotripsy or surgical intervention.