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| Topic: |
Digestive Diseases (DD) |
| Title: |
Gallstones. |
| Author: |
King, J.E., ed. |
| Source: |
In: King, J.E., ed. Mayo Clinic on Digestive Health. Rochester, MN: Mayo Clinic. 2000. p. 133-142. |
| Availability: |
Available from Mayo Clinic Health Information. 5505 36th Street, SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512. (800) 291-1128. Website: www.mayoclinic.com. PRICE: $14.95 plus shipping and handling. ISBN: 1893005046. |
| Abstract: |
This chapter on gallstones (cholelithiasis) is from a comprehensive guidebook from the Mayo Clinic that focuses on a variety of digestive symptoms, including heartburn, abdominal pain, constipation, and diarrhea, and the common conditions that are often responsible for these symptoms. Written in nontechnical language, the book includes practical information on how the digestive system works, factors that can interfere with its normal functioning, and how to prevent digestive problems. This chapter first reviews the key signs and symptoms of gallstones, including upper abdominal pain; pain in the back, chest, or right shoulder blade; and nausea and vomiting. Gallbladder pain, commonly called a gallbladder attack, occurs when stones in the gallbladder become lodged in the neck of the gallbladder or the cystic duct and obstruct the gallbladder's opening. This leads to a buildup of pressure in the gallbladder as it slowly contracts, causing constant pain and often nausea. The authors review how gallstones form and the three most common types: cholesterol stones, pigment stones, and primary bile duct stones. Risk factors for gallstones include being female, excess weight, diet and dieting (diet high in fat and sugar, fasting, and rapid weight loss diets are particularly risky), age, family history, and ethnic group. Gallstones are diagnosed with the assistance of ultrasound, computed tomography (CT scan), radionuclide scan, blood tests, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Treatment options range from watchful waiting to bile salt tablets, MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether) injection, sound wave therapy (extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy), to surgery, either open or through the use of laparoscopy. One sidebar reviews the home remedies that are purported to prevent gallstones (none are supported), noting that the best preventive steps are to maintain a healthy weight and avoid crash diets. 1 figure. |
| Format: |
Book Chapter |
| Language: |
English. |
| Major Keywords: |
Digestive System Diseases. Gastrointestinal System. Gallstones. Symptoms. Risk Factors. Complications. Therapy. Diagnosis. |
| Minor Keywords: |
Patient Education. Prevention. Food Habits. Weight Loss. Diet. Exercise. Diagnostic Tests. Surgical Techniques. Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography. Surgery. Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy. |
| Publication Number: |
DDBK08240 |
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