What is a gallbladder?

 

The gallbladder is a small pear-shaped organ, connected with the common hepatic duct arising from the liver.

The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile which is produced by the liver and helps in digestion of fats by releasing the bile into the common hepatic duct and then into the bowel.

 

What causes gallstones?

 

Occasionally, stones may develop in the gallbladder or duct due to an imbalance in the ratio of cholesterol, bile salts, or bilirubin in the bile. The optimal ratio allows for bile to remain in a liquid state, however an imbalance will lead to the formation of stones.

 

Based on their composition, gallstones can be categorized as either

• cholesterol stones

• pigment stones
   

Who is at risk of gallstones?

 

There are various risk factors that may result in the development of gallstones, such as:

• Obesity

• Rapid weight loss

• Prolonged fasting

• Pregnancy

• Women are more prone to gallstones formation as compared to men.

• Family history
   

GALLSTONE SYMPTOMS

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Gallstones may not cause any symptoms but when symptoms appear, they usually are sudden and often referred to as a "gallbladder attack".

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Typical symptoms include:

• Upper abdominal pain

• Back pain between the shoulder blades

• Nausea and vomiting

• Abdominal bloating and belching
   

Treatment of gallstones 

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Cholecystectomy is the usual treatment of symptomatic gallstones. A cholecystectomy is a surgical procedure to remove your gallbladder.  Dr Mittal is an experienced and highly skilled robotic and laparoscopic gallbladder surgeon, with patients in the lower North Shore of Sydney, Ryde, Macquarie and surrounding areas.

 

Get in touch today

 

Thinking about contacting the practice to find out more about Dr Mittal and his experience? Please contact us today to make appointment. Dr Mittal is dedicating to providing you with a high level of medical care and you can be sure you are in safe and capable hands when you contact his clinic.

 

We are open 9.00 am -5.00 pm Monday-Friday. Please call us on (02) 9460 7727 or email us at info@drmittalsurgery.com and we will get back to you as soon as we can. Our friendly clinic staff are always happy to help out and provide you with any information you may need.