Gallbladder

The development of gallstones is promoted by excessive cholesterol levels in the blood, obesity, a diet high in animal fats, diabetes, and drastic weight loss. Women are more likely to be affected than men. Gallstones located in the gallbladder can be single or multiple, of varying sizes, and can obstruct the bile ducts. This causes pain in the right subcostal area or in the mid-epigastrium. The pain may radiate to the right shoulder blade. During an attack of biliary colic, nausea, vomiting, discomfort, and abdominal distension may also occur.

At the first sign of symptoms, the patient should consult a general surgeon. During the consultation, the doctor will conduct a medical history and perform an ultrasound examination (USG). This examination requires no special preparation and is completely painless. After conducting the examination and gathering the necessary information, the doctor can recommend treatment. Recurrent inflammation and pain are reasons for surgery. The procedure is performed laparoscopically for safety reasons and a faster recovery. If the patient has massive adhesions, anatomical anomalies, or severe inflammation of the bile ducts, the doctor may decide to perform open surgery. The doctor discusses all details of the procedure and the type of procedure with the patient during the consultation. The gallbladder removal procedure is performed under the supervision of an anesthesiologist, which requires the patient to prepare and stay at the clinic for at least one day.