What are the items in the preoperative examination for gallstones?

Preoperative examinations for gallstones mainly include blood tests, imaging tests and cardiopulmonary function assessments. These items can help doctors understand the condition, assess surgical risks and ensure the safety of the operation.

Gallstones are a common digestive system disease, mainly stones formed in the gallbladder or bile duct. If the stones cause obvious symptoms or complications, such as biliary colic, cholecystitis, jaundice, etc., surgery may be required. Before surgery, the doctor will arrange a series of examinations to fully understand the patient's physical condition. This not only helps to confirm the indications for surgery, but also reduces the risk of complications during and after surgery.

Blood tests are an important part of the preoperative treatment for gallstones, including liver function, kidney function, blood routine and coagulation function. Liver function tests can assess whether gallstones have caused damage to the liver, such as elevated transaminases caused by cholestasis; blood routine tests are used to exclude inflammation or anemia; and coagulation function tests help avoid the risk of intraoperative bleeding. Kidney function tests are used to assess the body's tolerance to anesthetic drugs.

Imaging examinations are important tools for confirming the location, size, and complications of gallstones. Abdominal B-ultrasound is the first choice, which can clearly show the stones in the gallbladder and bile duct, and even detect whether the gallbladder wall is thickened. For suspected bile duct stones or complex cases, further magnetic resonance pancreaticobiliary imaging (MRCP) or CT scans may be required. These examinations can help doctors develop more accurate surgical plans. Some patients may need a gastroscopy to rule out whether other digestive system diseases will affect the surgery.

Cardiopulmonary function assessment is crucial to the safety of surgery. It usually includes electrocardiogram, chest X-ray and pulmonary function test, especially for older patients or patients with underlying diseases. These tests can help doctors assess the risks of general anesthesia and postoperative recovery ability.

In order to ensure the smooth progress of the operation, in addition to completing the necessary examinations before the operation, you must also follow the doctor's advice to pay attention to your diet, adjust your medications, or quit smoking and drinking. If you have a special medical history or are taking medication, be sure to inform the doctor in advance to avoid accidents during the operation. If abnormalities are found in the preoperative examination, the doctor may adjust the treatment plan or postpone the operation according to the specific situation.