Gastroenterology Surgery Specialist Op. Dr. Ferudun Kaya stated that gallstones are usually composed of cholesterol or bile pigments and said, “Gallstones can be mostly painless, but can cause serious symptoms in some patients. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is one of the most effective and safe methods in the treatment of symptoms caused by gallstones.”
Pointing out that although gallstones are mostly painless, they can cause serious symptoms in some patients, Medical Park Adana Hospital Gastroenterology Surgery Specialist Op. Dr. Ferudun Kaya informed about the treatment methods.
“Attention should be paid to silent stones”
“Many people do not experience any symptoms even if they have gallstones. Such stones are called silent stones,” Op. Dr. Ferudun Kaya said, but if the gallstone blocks the bile duct, some symptoms may occur in the body. Op. Dr. Kaya listed these symptoms as follows;
“Bile colic: Severe pain in the upper right part of the abdomen that starts suddenly and usually lasts for hours. This pain can radiate to the shoulder and back.
Nausea and vomiting: Nausea and vomiting can be seen especially after meals.
Indigestion: Bloating, heartburn and digestive problems, especially after consuming fatty foods.
Jaundice: The flow of bile is impaired due to the gallstone blocking the bile duct and yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes may occur.
Fever and chills: Fever and chills may occur if there is a gallbladder infection (cholecystitis).”
“It is diagnosed by taking into account the symptoms and medical history of the patients”
Stating that cholelithiasis (gallstones) is usually diagnosed by considering the symptoms and medical history of the patients, Op. Dr. Kaya listed some of the imaging techniques used to confirm the diagnosis as follows:
“Ultrasonography: It is the most commonly used method to diagnose gallstones. It has a high accuracy rate and is non-invasive.
MRCP (Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography): Used to visualize the bile ducts and pancreas in detail.
CT (Computed Tomography): Can be used to evaluate gallstone complications and other intra-abdominal pathologies.
ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): It is a method used for both diagnosis and treatment. It can also be used to remove gallstones.”
“Silent gallstones may require regular follow-up”
Stating that the treatment of cholelithiasis varies depending on the number, size, location and symptoms of the patient, Op. Dr. Ferudun Kaya listed the treatment options as follows:
A wait-and-see approach: If silent gallstones do not cause symptoms, doctors usually do not recommend intervention and may ask for regular follow-up.
Medication: Medicines such as ursodeoxycholic acid can be used to dissolve gallstones. However, this treatment can take a long time and may not always be effective.
Surgical intervention: If gallstones are symptomatic and carry a risk of complications, surgery is the most common treatment. The most commonly used surgical method is laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
“The most commonly used surgical method is laparoscopic cholecystectomy”
Op. Dr. Ferudun Kaya said, “Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a minimally invasive surgical method for the removal of the gallbladder. This method is one of the most widely used and considered safe procedures in the treatment of cholelithiasis.”
Op. Dr. Kaya shared the following information about the stages of the procedure:
“Anesthesia: The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. The patient sleeps throughout the entire procedure and does not feel pain.
Incisions: Several small incisions are made in the abdomen. These incisions are usually smaller than 1 cm.
Inserting a laparoscope: A thin camera called a laparoscope is inserted through an incision. This camera allows the surgeon to see the inside of the abdomen on a screen.
Gallbladder removal: Surgical instruments are inserted through other small incisions. The gallbladder is cut and removed with these instruments.
Closure: After the gallbladder is removed, the incisions are closed with sutures or surgical tapes.”
“Laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery is faster and postoperative pain is less”
Speaking about the advantages of laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery, Op. Dr. Kaya said, “It is minimally invasive, recovery time is faster due to small incisions and postoperative pain is less. Patients are usually discharged the same day or the next day after surgery. They return to their normal activities within a few weeks. Thanks to the small incisions, surgical scars are minimal.”
“With early diagnosis and treatment, patients usually have a fast and trouble-free recovery process”
Stating that a mild abdominal pain, bloating or gas pain after surgery can be considered normal, Op. Dr. Ferudun Kaya said, “Patients can usually return to their normal diet shortly after surgery. However, fatty foods may be difficult to digest at first. It is important to avoid heavy physical activities and rest for the period recommended by the doctor.”
“If there are pain symptoms, it should be treated”
Op. Dr. Kaya stated that cholelithiasis is usually not a serious problem, “It is a condition that should be treated when symptomatic. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is one of the most effective and safe methods in the treatment of gallstone-induced symptoms. With early diagnosis and treatment, patients usually have a fast and trouble-free recovery process. If you have symptoms of gallstones, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for early diagnosis and treatment.”
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