Thank you for visiting Gastro IQ.
We have recently merged with Eastern Gastroenterology where we continue to provide
high quality care to patients with a range of digestive health issues.
Please visit us at easterngastro.com.au or call 03 9895 7628 for all appointments and endoscopy enquiries.

亲爱的患者，

自2023年4月20日起，Gastro IQ 将与Eastern Gastroenterology 合并。详见以下新地址及联络方式：
Epworth Eastern East Wing Tower, Level 9.4, 25 Nelson Road, 3128, Box Hill
电话： 03 9895 7628 传真：03 9454 9330 email: admin@easterngastro.com.au
王医生期待继续为您提供高质量的资询服务。谢谢！
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(03) 7038 0988
中文版

Gallstones

Gallstones are hardened deposits of cholesterol and bile that form in the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small organ on the right side of the abdomen that sits just under the liver. Its main role is to store bile (a digestive juice formed in the liver).

What causes gallstones?

Gallstones are formed when bile (a liquid) become super-saturated with cholesterol and other bile salts. This results in the formation of crystals, which then act as a seed around which the stone grows.

The risk factors for gallstones include:
– a family history
– female gender
– being overweight
– a history of pregnancy
– being middle-aged

What are the symptoms of gallstones?

Most patients with gallstones do not know they have them, ie. the gallstones are not causing any symptoms. When symptoms do develop the most common issue is pain. This is called ‘biliary colic’ and usually occurs in the upper right of the abdomen. Other symptoms that can develop include:
– nausea and vomiting
– loss of appetite
– discomfort after meals

Gallstones can also cause several other complications:

(i) Cholecystitis – this occurs when the gallbladder itself become inflamed. Symptoms include pain, tenderness and fever. This warrants admission to hospital and is treated with antibiotics and removal of the gallbladder.

(ii) Blockage/infection of the bile duct – this occurs when gallstones leave the gallbladder and migrate into the tube (bile duct) leading down into the intestines. This blockage can result in
– Jaundice – a yellowish appearance to the skin and eyes (jaundice)
– Infection of the bile duct
– Pancreatitis – inflammation of the pancreas

How do you diagnose gallstones?

Gallstones are best diagnosed by an ultrasound. Assessing for the complications of gallstones may also require additional investigations including: bloods tests, an MRI or endoscopic ultrasound (EUS).

How do you treat gallstones

Gallstones only need to be treated if they are symptomatic. The most effective treatment is to surgically remove the gallbladder (cholecystectomy). While multiple therapies have been used to try to ‘dissolve’ gallstones, in general they are ineffective.

Gallstones that have left the gallbladder and migrated into the bile duct need to be removed. This is done by a procedure called Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatography (ERCP). During an ERCP, a tiny camera is passed through the mouth down into the small intestine to the opening of the bile duct. A small cut is then made and the stones extracted by pulling them down into the intestine. This procedure is preformed by Dr. Paul Urquhart who completed specialized training in ERCP and EUS overseas.