Know about the surgeries to get rid of gallstones
Surgery is suggested to be the best method to treat gallstones so they do not occur again. If you have symptoms of a gallstone problem, the doctor may do tests to confirm it. A blood test is initially done to check for evidence of obstruction. Sometimes other tests are done to rule out any other stomach problems, as they have similar symptoms to that of a gallstone attack. An ultrasound examination, which is quick and painless is done to check if the pain is due to gallstones. The scan will give a clear picture of the gallbladder, bile duct, and their contents. A CT scan is also recommended if need be. The surgical procedures used to treat gallbladder stones are: ERCP – An endoscopy is done if the doctor suspects that the gallstone is lodged in the bile duct. The doctor looks into the bile duct through a small flexible tube called an endoscope. The endoscope is inserted into the mouth and goes into the small intestine where the bile duct enters. The patient is sedated, to prevent gagging. Before taking an X-ray, a dye is injected through a tube. The procedure takes about an hour. The stone removal may also be done during this procedure.