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Gallstones are the first issue that comes to mind when we talk about the gallbladder. However, there are several other health problems that affect this small organ.
In fact, many people are not aware that they are suffering from gallbladder disorders until the symptoms become severe and reach the advanced stage. Moreover, the signs of gallbladder concerns often mimic other conditions, such as appendicitis, acid reflux, stomach ulcers and GERD.
This makes early diagnosis quite difficult without the use of proper imaging techniques. For those suffering from persistent abdominal discomfort, it is always crucial to consult the best gallbladder surgeon in Kolkata, like Dr. Purnendu Bhowmik, to identify the actual cause and get proper care.
In this write-up, we will explore some of the diseases associated with the gallbladder and understand how they affect the digestive system. We will talk about the early signs that make it necessary to visit a specialist.
The gallbladder is a small pear-shaped organ that lies in the right quadrant of the abdomen, just beneath the liver. The organ contains a fluid called bile that is released into the small intestine to aid in digestion.
The bile is produced by the liver, which helps the body break down essential fats into smaller molecules, thereby helping in the absorption of essential nutrients and vitamins.
When you eat a rich meal with fats, the gallbladder releases the stored bile into the small intestine through the bile ducts to facilitate its emulsification. The fluid is also responsible for excreting waste from the body, including cholesterol and bilirubin.
Any disruption in the concentration of bile leads to various issues and affects the digestive system. Hence, timely intervention by a gallbladder surgeon in Kolkata is required to prevent long-term complications.
One of the major signs of any gallbladder issues is consistent pain in the upper right part of the abdomen. The ache is usually sharp and intense, which does not improve with medications. In fact, in some individuals, the pain often radiates to the back and shoulder.
In addition to the pain, there are other red flags as well, which indicate that there is something not right with your gallbladder.
If you experience any of these symptoms that are worrying you, make an appointment with the best gallbladder surgeon in Kolkata, like Dr. Purnendu Bhowmik, to seek immediate care.
Let’s take a look at some of the conditions that affect the gallbladder.
Gallstones: Also known as cholelithiasis, they are hardened deposits of bile that form inside the gallbladder. They vary in size, ranging from as small as a grain to a large golf ball. If left untreated, they are likely to lodge in the bile ducts, leading to a medical emergency.
Cholecystitis: It is an inflammation of the gallbladder, often caused by a gallstone blocking the cystic duct. As a result, bile builds up and infects the organ, causing severe pain along with fever.
Polyps: They are small growths that form on the lining of the gallbladder. They start as benign and are mostly linked to excess cholesterol deposits. Polyps which are more than 1 cm in size have a chance to turn malignant.
Cancer: Although rare, it can occur and especially affects the older population. They begin as benign growths that grow over time and eventually turn malignant. Without treatment, the cancerous cells start spreading to the surrounding tissues and other parts of the body.
Gallstone Pancreatitis: It is a form of acute pancreatitis that results from gallstones blocking the bile duct, which prevents the enzymes from entering the small intestine. The blockage leads to the accumulation of enzymes that damage the pancreas.
Biliary Dyskinesia: It is a functional gallbladder disorder where the organ does not contract and eject the bile properly, even though there are no stones or blockages present. What’s alarming is that the gallbladder looks fine on imaging but fails to function efficiently.
Diagnosis of gallbladder problems usually involves a combination of medical history review, imaging examinations and blood tests to check for any infections, liver functioning or blockages.
Dr. Purnendu Bhowmik, the best gallbladder surgeon in Kolkata, begins the assessment by asking about the nature, location and duration of the pain. Dr. Bhowmik even examines the abdomen to look for any tenderness or swelling.
Following that, he recommends the following tests.
Being the best gallbladder surgeon in Kolkata, Dr. Purnendu Bhowmik prepares the treatment plan depending on the type of disorder, its severity and the patient's health.
Medications: Less commonly, the surgeon might opt for non-surgical options. For example, in the case of an infection, antibiotics are prescribed.
Endoscopic procedures: Before resorting to surgery, the healthcare provider can remove small stones in the gallbladder using an ERCP. If required, tissue samples are taken for biopsy.
Surgical intervention: The only effective treatment option for gallbladder diseases is surgery, also known as cholecystectomy. It involves the complete removal of the gallbladder either through the open method or the laparoscopic method.
Gallbladder disorders are quite common and can affect any individual. If you have constant digestive issues, make them take the symptoms seriously. Consult the best gallbladder surgeon in Kolkata, like Dr. Purnendu Bhowmik, who will accurately diagnose the condition and prepare the right treatment plan.