How to diagnose gallstones

The diagnosis of gallstones mainly relies on imaging examinations, commonly used methods include ultrasound, CT scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These technologies help doctors detect gallstones in the gallbladder and their size, number and location, so as to develop appropriate treatment plans.

Gallstones are a common biliary disease, mainly composed of crystalline substances formed by cholesterol, bile pigments and calcium salts in bile. Usually, when the cholesterol concentration in bile is too high or the gallbladder motility is disordered, gallstones are prone to form. In terms of symptoms, patients may feel paroxysmal pain in the right upper abdomen, especially after eating greasy food. Sometimes it is accompanied by nausea, vomiting or jaundice.

Ultrasound examination is the preferred method for diagnosing gallstones. Its advantages are that it is non-invasive, fast and inexpensive. Through ultrasound imaging, doctors can clearly observe the presence of stones in the gallbladder. For difficult cases, or when more detailed information is needed, CT scans can be selected, which can provide higher resolution images to help determine the specific location of the stones and possible complications. If the above methods are still not enough to confirm the diagnosis, magnetic resonance imaging is the only choice. MRI technology can not only provide detailed information on the gallbladder and its surrounding structures, but also help determine whether the bile duct is blocked.

In daily life, in order to prevent the occurrence of gallstones, it is very important to control the cholesterol intake in the diet. It is advisable to maintain a light diet and eat more fruits and vegetables. At the same time, regular exercise can also help improve the emptying capacity of the gallbladder and reduce the possibility of stone formation. If abdominal pain is significantly aggravated, or accompanied by fever, jaundice and other symptoms, you should seek medical attention in time to avoid delaying treatment.