What diseases can gallstones cause?

Gallstones may cause a variety of diseases such as cholecystitis, cholangitis, pancreatitis, etc., and in severe cases, they may even be life-threatening. It is crucial to detect and treat gallstones in a timely manner, especially when symptoms are obvious or complications occur. You should seek medical attention as soon as possible. The following is a detailed analysis of the diseases that gallstones may cause and how to treat them.

1. Cholecystitis

Gallstones often lead to cholecystitis, especially when the gallstones block the neck of the gallbladder or the cystic duct, which blocks the outflow of bile, increases the pressure in the gallbladder and causes infection, leading to acute inflammation. Patients often experience symptoms such as severe pain in the right upper abdomen, fever, nausea, and vomiting.

Treatment method:

Drug treatment: Mild patients can use antibiotics (such as cephalosporins) to control infection, and antispasmodics to relieve symptoms.

Surgical treatment: In severe cases, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is required to avoid recurrence or deterioration of the disease.

Daily prevention: Eating a light diet and avoiding high-fat diet can help reduce the risk of cholecystitis.

2. Cholangitis

Cholangitis occurs when gallstones enter the common bile duct and block the bile duct. Typical symptoms include abdominal pain, jaundice, and high fever, which is called the "Charcot triad." Cholangitis progresses rapidly and can lead to sepsis if not treated promptly.

Treatment method:

Emergency treatment: In critically ill patients, ERCP (endoscopic retrograde pancreaticocholangiopancreatography) is the first choice to remove stones and relieve bile duct obstruction.

Antibiotic treatment: Use broad-spectrum antibiotics (such as imipenem) to control the infection.

Postoperative management: Depending on the patient's condition, biliary drainage or subsequent cholecystectomy may be required.

3. Pancreatitis

Gallstones are one of the common causes of acute pancreatitis. When gallstones block the ampulla at the end of the common bile duct, bile refluxes into the pancreatic duct, activating pancreatic enzymes and causing acute pancreatitis. Patients often experience severe upper abdominal pain that radiates to the back, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distension.

Treatment method:

Fasting and intravenous nutrition: reduce the burden on the pancreas and maintain basic nutrition.

Endoscopic treatment: ERCP is used to remove stones and relieve obstruction.

Surgery: In severe cases, pancreatic surgery may be required to prevent complications.

4. Gallbladder cancer or bile duct cancer

Long-term and repeated gallstone stimulation may increase the risk of gallbladder cancer or biliary tract cancer. Although this lesion is relatively rare, patients with large stones or obvious thickening of the gallbladder wall should be vigilant.

Treatment method:

Early screening: Regular abdominal ultrasound examinations to monitor for changes in gallbladder wall thickening or stones.

Surgical removal: When cancer is diagnosed in its early stages, it is usually treated by removing the gallbladder or bile duct.

Subsequent treatment: Advanced patients may require chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Humanistic care and action suggestions

Although gallstones are common, their complications can be life-threatening. Regular physical examinations, diet control, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are particularly important. If gallstones have been diagnosed, timely treatment should be sought according to the doctor's advice to avoid delays that may worsen the condition. At the same time, pay attention to changes in your own symptoms. If you have fever, severe abdominal pain, or jaundice, you should seek medical attention immediately to ensure safety. A healthy life begins with small changes in daily life. Taking care of your body is our best choice.