How Dr. Rishi Chadha Diagnoses Gallstones
Dr. Chadha uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History & Physical Exam
He reviews your symptoms and medical history as well as goes through your physical exam to determine infections with the gallbladder disease.
Ultrasound Imaging
An abdominal ultrasound is the first test that should be conducted to investigate the existence of the gallstones and the morphology and the functions of the gallbladder.
Blood Tests
Lab tests involve liver enzymes, bilirubin and pancreatic to rule out inflammation, infection or bile duct obstruction.
CT Scan or MRI
A CT scan or an MRI can be done in case it needs further examination to provide high-resolution images of the biliary tract and other organs.
HIDA Scan
The research is based on nuclear medicine, whereby the flow of the bile is tracked and the emptying of the gallbladder is established to identify blockages or functional disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes gallstones?
The cause is predominant in respect of excess cholesterol in the bile.
Can you pass gallstones independently?
Smaller ones can be self-contained, and bigger ones are painful and require an intervention.
Can gallstones be cleared without surgery?
In rare cases some drugs such as bile acid pills can dissolve small stones, but the most effective solution is surgery, which is effective in the long-run.
How can we manage the pain of gallstones?
Pain reliever, change of diet, or even removal of the gallbladder (laparoscopic cholecystectomy) is used depending on the challenges of the symptoms.
Is gallbladder surgery safe?
Yes. Laparoscopy resection of the gallbladder is safe, and they can be recovered fast because laparoscopy procedures are minimally invasive.
What is your experience after the gallstones removal surgery?
Most of the patients will be much better in a matter of days and are likely to go back to normal activities after a period of one week.
Is there any special post-operative diet?
It will start with light, low-fat food and in most cases; you revert to normal food after some time.
Do we perform non-surgical procedures?
Yes. Cases: Selective cases can be treated with bile acid medicine or eroscopic roticulum procedure and will not require the removal of the gallbladder.
How long is the formation of the gallstones?
They can happen in several months or several years and can be not accompanied by any symptoms until they get large or even obstruct the flow of bile.
Where can I learn more?
The site of American College of Gastroenterology will provide more information.