Can I eat before a gallbladder stone examination?

Written by Liu Wu Cai
Hepatobiliary Surgery
Updated on September 01, 2024
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Before checking for gallstones, one should not eat, as the main methods of examination are through color ultrasound and CT scans, which can better lead to a diagnosis. Both color ultrasound and CT scans require fasting because eating can cause the stomach to fill, potentially resulting in artifacts that hinder the observation of the condition. Therefore, patients with gallstones need to fast before the examination. The approach to treatment depends on the presence of symptoms and the size of the stones. For large gallstones that cause recurrent episodes, early surgical treatment should be considered. Only by surgically removing the gallbladder can a definitive cure be achieved, which can significantly improve the prognosis for the patient.

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Can ERCP remove gallbladder stones?

ERCP is currently being explored by some hospitals in China for the removal of gallstones. It involves inserting a tube through the lower part of the gallbladder to remove the gallstones. However, we generally do not recommend using ERCP for gallstone removal because if it becomes necessary to remove the stones, the gallbladder must be cut open, which can easily lead to complications such as suppurative cholecystitis. Currently, the most common method for removing gallstones is laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which, of course, requires mature surgical skills and relatively has fewer complications.

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Gallbladder stones and gallbladder polyps differentiation

Gallbladder stones and gallbladder polyps are common diseases in the digestive system and are usually benign. Both gallbladder stones and gallbladder polyps can cause chronic inflammation of the gallbladder, leading to chronic cholecystitis. Some patients may experience acute episodes of pain in the upper right abdomen, leading to an acute cholecystitis attack. Both conditions typically require laboratory tests and diagnostic imaging to confirm diagnosis. Clinically, they are mainly identified through color Doppler ultrasound; gallbladder stones are formed by the deposition of bile salts within the gallbladder, while gallbladder polyps are protrusions growing from the gallbladder wall into the cavity, which can be clearly distinguished by ultrasound.

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Gallbladder stones minimally invasive surgery, how long before getting out of bed?

How soon a patient with gallbladder stones can get out of bed and move around after minimally invasive surgery mainly depends on their recovery post-operation. For patients with gallbladder stones, the primary surgical method chosen is laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Due to the small incisions, minimal damage, and faster recovery associated with laparoscopy, it is often the preferred choice in clinical settings. Generally, patients can start moving around about five days post-surgery. However, in cases where patients have other underlying conditions, such as malnutrition, hypoproteinemia, or heart failure, the healing time may be extended. In such cases, it could take about half a month before they can move around. Therefore, the specific time when a patient can get out of bed and move around should be analyzed based on individual medical conditions.

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What will happen if gallstones worsen?

For patients with gallstones, if exacerbation occurs, they will exhibit significant pain in the upper right abdomen, and may even experience radiating pain in the right shoulder, scapular area, and back, severely affecting the quality of life. Some patients may also experience nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distension among other gastrointestinal symptoms. Thus, patients with these symptoms should undergo surgery as soon as possible. The primary treatment for gallstones is laparoscopic cholecystectomy, as it has the advantages of a small incision, minimal injury, and faster recovery, making it often the first choice in clinical settings. Additionally, it is still necessary for postoperative patients to avoid spicy and irritating foods to reduce inflammation and better facilitate recovery from the condition.

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Clinical manifestations of gallstones

Clinical manifestations of gallbladder stones: 1. Patients often experience abdominal pain after a full meal or when eating greasy food. 2. Patients may experience upper abdominal pain, bloating, belching, and regurgitation after consuming a high-fat diet in excess, or during periods of stress or poor rest. These symptoms are often misdiagnosed as stomach disorders. When gallstones chronically press against and block the gallbladder ducts without causing an infection, the gallbladder mucosa absorbs bile pigments and secretes mucinous substances, leading to the accumulation of fluid in the gallbladder. This fluid is usually clear and colorless, commonly referred to as white bile.