Common complications of gallstones

Gallstones are a common disease in the hepatobiliary system, and common complications include acute cholecystitis, cholangitis, and pancreatitis. People with gallstones should pay close attention to the occurrence of these complications and seek medical attention in time to avoid serious consequences.

1. Acute cholecystitis: This is one of the most common complications of gallstones. When gallstones block the gallbladder duct, the bile accumulated in the gallbladder causes infection, leading to acute cholecystitis. Patients usually present with abdominal pain, especially right upper abdominal pain, accompanied by fever and nausea. For acute cholecystitis, antibiotics and cholecystectomy are usually used to treat it. The specific medical plan should be determined according to the severity of the patient's condition.

2. Cholangitis: When gallstones block the common bile duct, bacterial infection may lead to cholangitis, which can manifest as abdominal pain, fever and jaundice and is an emergency medical condition. In terms of treatment, in addition to using antibiotics to control the infection, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) may be required to remove bile duct stones.

3. Pancreatitis: When gallstones cause the pancreatic duct to be blocked, the pancreatic fluid will be blocked, causing acute pancreatitis. Its symptoms include severe upper abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Acute pancreatitis usually requires hospitalization, and patients need to fast to reduce pancreatic irritation, while being treated with intravenous infusion and painkillers. In some cases, biliary surgery or ERCP may also be required.

If complications of gallstones are not treated in time, they may lead to serious consequences. To prevent complications, it is recommended to have regular physical examinations to monitor the health of the gallbladder. If you experience severe abdominal pain, jaundice, or unexplained fever, you should seek medical attention immediately. A healthy lifestyle, such as a proper diet and regular exercise, can effectively reduce the risk of gallstones and their complications. I hope that while everyone pays attention to their physical health, they can also seek help from professional medical institutions in a timely manner to protect their own health and quality of life.