Gall stones

Gall stones are hard deposits that are formed in the gallbladder but it may migrate into the biliary tract.

Gallstones are present in about 10-20 % of the population with higher prevalence in females.

Risk factors:

1- Contraceptive pills

2- Obesity

3- Diabetes

4- Liver cirrhosis

5- Aging

6- High animal fat diet

7- Chronic haemolytic anemia

8- Rapid weight loss

Types:

1- Cholesterol gall stones (80 %)

2- Bile pigment stones (20%)

Symptoms and signs:

The majority of cases of gallstones are asymptomatic, discovered accidently by abdominal sonar, X-ray or surgery but if the stone is large the patient may suffer from:

1- Pain in the right upper abdomen

2- Jaundice

3- Fever

4- Abdominal fullness

Complications of gall stones:

1- Pancreatitis

2- Cholecystitis

3- Obstructive jaundice

4- Cholangitis

5- Increased risk for carcinoma

Treatment:

Medical:

1- Chenodeoxycholic or ursodeoxychlich or both

2- Lithotripsy by extracorporeal shock

3- Dissolution by methyl ether

Surgical:

Cholecystectomy either laproscopic or minilaparotomy