Gallbladder stones Intrahepatic bile duct stones

Gallstones and intrahepatic bile duct stones are two common hepatobiliary diseases that require attention. Gallstones are usually caused by bile composition disorders, while intrahepatic bile duct stones are more related to factors such as infection and bile duct stenosis. Treatments include drug lithotripsy, minimally invasive surgery, and lifestyle intervention. In severe cases, surgical intervention is required to avoid complications.

1) Causes of gallstones

-Genetic factors: Studies have found that some people have abnormal bile metabolism due to genetic reasons and are prone to forming cholesterol stones.

-Dietary habits: A high-fat, high-calorie diet can aggravate the disorder of bile cholesterol concentration and increase the risk of stones.

-Metabolic disorders: Metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes can lead to supersaturation of cholesterol in bile, which can lead to the formation of stones.

Solution:

- Improve your eating habits and avoid consuming too much greasy and high-sugar food.

-Controlling your weight and exercising regularly can help reduce the risk of gallstones.

-Drug litholytics, such as ursodeoxycholic acid, can be used to help dissolve stones in some patients with small stones, but the effect is slow and limited.

2) Causes of intrahepatic bile duct stones

-Bile duct stricture or congenital malformation: Intrahepatic bile duct strictures can lead to bile concentration and accumulation, resulting in the formation of stones.

-Infection and inflammation: Infection of the intrahepatic bile ducts (e.g., cholangitis) can increase bacterial proliferation and calcium salt deposition, leading to pigment stones.

-Bile flow obstruction: Blockage in the extrahepatic portal area can indirectly cause stone accumulation.

Solution:

-For acutely infected bile duct stones, antibiotics can be used first to control the infection (such as cephalosporins).

-Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) combined with minimally invasive lithotomy is the main method for the diagnosis and treatment of this type of stones.

- Regular follow-up to check the bile duct condition to reduce the possibility of recurrence.

3) Prevention and care of gallbladder stones and intrahepatic bile duct stones

- Balanced diet: Increase the intake of fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C and dietary fiber, and reduce the intake of high-fat, high-calorie foods.

-Drink plenty of warm water: Water intake can dilute bile and reduce the risk of crystal formation.

-Moderate exercise: 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every day can help improve bile metabolism.

-Regular physical examinations: For people with genetic or high-risk factors, ultrasound or CT examinations can be performed to detect and treat hidden diseases in a timely manner.

The formation of gallstones and intrahepatic bile duct stones is mostly related to lifestyle and one's own metabolic status. After the discovery of stones, patients need to seek medical help as soon as possible and choose a suitable treatment plan. Early detection and timely intervention can effectively prevent complications and improve health status. If you have abdominal pain, jaundice or other discomfort, you should see a doctor as soon as possible to avoid worsening of the condition.