Gallstones are known for the pain they can cause, especially when they lead to acute pancreatitis. Although in some people they develop without symptoms, for many they cause an intense twinge in the right side of the abdomen that should be a warning sign.
One has to be careful with the symptoms of gallstones. If left untreated, they can impair the functioning of the liver and pancreas and lead to severe inflammation, which can even be fatal.
“Because it presents these risks, given the presence of gallstones — which are more common in women, those over 40, overweight or with a family history of the case —, we remove the entire gallbladder surgically, even when there is no symptoms”, explains the digestive tract surgeon Gustavo Patury Accioly, from São Paulo.
How are stones formed?
It all starts in the gallbladder. This organ is responsible for storing bile, a liquid produced by the liver that helps in the digestion of fats. The substance is formed in part by cholesterol, which when it accumulates, forms gallstones – popularly known as gallstones.
In addition to pain, stones can cause symptoms such as fever, nausea and vomiting, especially when there is a medical complication, acute cholecystitis. This disease happens when the stone obstructs the duct where the bile comes out, leading to inflammation in the region and the inner walls of the abdomen.
Discover the possible treatments for gallstones in the Health up to datepartner of metropolises.
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