Gallstones are hardened deposits of digested fluid known as bile. These deposits form in the gallbladder, a small, pear-shaped organ located beneath the liver. The gallbladder stores bile produced by the liver and then releases it into the small intestine as needed. Bile also carries waste such as cholesterol and bilirubin, which your body makes when it breaks down red blood cells. These processes can occasionally cause gallstones, which can lodge in a bile duct and cause a blockage. Some people develop one gallstone, while others can develop many gallstones at once.
Gallstones may range in size from a grain of sand to a golf ball. They can be broken down into two types:
It is not clear what exactly causes gallstones to form, but they might happen when:
Risk factors for developing gallstones may include:
While most gallstones are asymptomatic, symptoms can include nausea, fever, jaundice, and dark urine.
Typically, however, symptoms only present when gallstones cause a blockage in a bile duct. When a blockage occurs, symptoms may include:
The pain may last anywhere from several minutes to several hours.
In many cases, gallstones are discovered by accident when an individual is being treated for a different condition. Imaging tests such as an ultrasound or X-ray may prompt further evaluation if your doctor suspects the presence of gallstones. Lab tests may be used to look for signs of infection, obstruction, or conditions such as pancreatitis. There are a number of tests and procedures that can be performed to help diagnose gallstones and complications of gallstones, including:
As previously stated, gallstones typically do not show any signs or symptoms. They are usually only revealed during an ultrasound or CT for an unrelated condition. Therefore, they often do not require treatment.
However, gallstones that do cause symptoms may be treated in the following ways:
Digestive Healthcare Center is proud to offer leading care for patients with a variety of digestive health conditions, including gallstones. With three convenient office locations in NJ, our expert gastroenterologists will work closely with you to diagnose your condition and develop a personalized treatment plan, ensuring that your specific needs are met. We give patients access to a wide range of tests and procedures focused on promoting and maintaining positive digestive health throughout their lives. Learn more about all we have to offer to patients in Somerset County and contact us today to schedule an appointment!
Our team of gastroenterologists at Digestive Healthcare Center wants to help you live a healthier and more comfortable life, by helping you put your digestive health first. Please contact us today to make an appointment – either at one of our three gastroenterology centers in NJ or from the comfort of your home via a virtual telemedicine visit.
We are proud to offer telemedicine care to patients throughout NJ, allowing patients to consult with one of our expert gastroenterologists via a two-way video call. Setting up and completing a telemedicine visit is extremely simple, and all you need to do to get started is give one of our offices a call or contact us by filling out a form.
To all our valued patients at Digestive Healthcare Center and Central Jersey Ambulatory Surgical Center
Your health and safety are important to us. To help protect patients and staff, we have designated Digestive Healthcare Center and Central Jersey Ambulatory Surgical Center as a Patient and Staff “SAFE ZONE.” Our SAFE ZONE is defined by the safety measures we are taking to protect you and our staff from contracting the coronavirus. We are following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Department of Health (DOH) guidelines to limit the spread of the virus by continuously disinfecting all rooms and equipment, using protective barriers, providing personal protective equipment and practicing social distancing. We are testing staff and patients to make sure you are safe. Patients will be asked to provide information if they have been tested.
OFFICE HOURS:
Our Hillsborough and Somerville offices are open and seeing patients for Telemedicine and In-Office visits as needed. Our Warren location is currently closed.
SAFETY FIRST:
CENTRAL JERSEY AMBULATORY SURGICAL CENTER:
Our surgery center is open and performing procedures such as colonoscopies and endoscopies. Please call to schedule an appointment at 908-218-9222. Patients coming in for procedures will be COVID tested prior to their procedure.
PATIENT PORTAL:
To better serve you, all patients must register for our portal by providing us with your email address. You will receive a portal invitation via email which will contain a pin number needed to register for our portal. This will be our main source of communication with you regarding test results, answering clinical questions, and providing important updates.
The Physicians and Staff at Digestive Healthcare Center and Central Jersey Ambulatory Surgical Center wish everyone the best at this trying time.
Stay healthy and safe.