What are the complications of gallstones?

Complications of gallstones may include acute cholecystitis, cholangitis, pancreatitis, etc. The occurrence of these diseases can lead to serious health problems, so they need to be handled and treated in a timely manner. Complications caused by gallstones can not only damage the gallbladder, but may also affect other digestive organs and increase the patient's pain. In order to avoid these risks, it is particularly important to understand the specific manifestations and treatment methods of complications of gallstones.

1. Acute cholecystitis

Acute cholecystitis is one of the most common complications of gallstones. When gallstones block the cystic duct, the bile in the gallbladder is blocked, causing inflammation and swelling of the gallbladder wall. Patients usually experience severe pain in the right upper abdomen, accompanied by fever, nausea, vomiting and other symptoms. In the treatment of acute cholecystitis, the use of antibiotics such as cephalosporins can effectively control the infection; if necessary, laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be performed to cure the disease and reduce the risk of recurrence.

2. Cholangitis

When gallstones fall into the common bile duct and cause obstruction, cholangitis may result. Typical symptoms of this complication include high fever, jaundice, and upper abdominal pain, and it is a serious condition that requires emergency treatment. Treatment of cholangitis usually involves broad-spectrum antibiotics to control the infection, endoscopic retrograde pancreaticobiliary stone removal, or bile duct drainage to relieve the obstruction if necessary.

3. Acute pancreatitis

The mechanism by which gallstones cause pancreatitis is mainly due to gallstones falling into the common bile duct and causing obstruction of the pancreatic duct opening, causing acute pancreatitis. Patients experience severe upper abdominal pain, often radiating to the back, accompanied by vomiting and fever. This condition often requires hospitalization, including analgesia, fasting, infusion, and electrolyte balance management. In some cases, ERCP may be required to remove stones to relieve symptoms.

In order to reduce the occurrence of complications of gallstones, it is recommended to maintain a healthy lifestyle, such as a balanced diet, moderate exercise, and regular medical examinations to detect and treat gallstone problems early. If symptoms of suspected complications occur, you should seek medical attention immediately so that you can receive timely and effective treatment and care. Through scientific prevention and treatment methods, the risks of gallstone patients can be greatly reduced and help them recover their health.