HAVING gallstone, also called cholelithiasis, is a common problem, but it is most common among women, people over 40 years of age, and those who are obese.

Over the past few years the tendency to have gallstones, especially in countries like Pakistan, has gone up, because of having diets rich in oil and fats and excessive use of soft drinks.

Often gallstones just sit in the gallbladder and do not cause problems. But sometimes they block the exit from the gallbladder, called the cystic duct.

When this occurs, the gallbladder goes into spasms and becomes inflamed.

Some possible causes of gall stones are: excess bilirubin and excess cholesterol in the bile while the risk factors for gallstones include: a family history of gallstones, taking medications to lower cholesterol levels, having diabetes and being overweight.

The incidence of post-operative pain and hospitalisation days have reduced dramatically owing to this mode of surgery, which is replacing the open surgery used previously. Patients undergoing lap-hole cystectomy are discharged within 24 hours and hardly experience any discomfort.

Kaleem Ahmed

Islamabad

Published in Dawn, August 29th, 2015

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