Gallstones
Anyone who has ever had gallstones will tell you that they are extremely painful and even debilitating. Although gallstones can develop in both sexes, they are most common in over-weight middle aged women. Gallstones also seem to run in families. The cause of women being more susceptible to gallstones may be due to the female hormones progesterone and estrogen, which may play a role in the formation of gallstones.
Most gallstones are formed from hardened cholesterol and others are made of bilirubin and calcium. This is because bile fluid contains high levels of cholesterol and bilirubin. These often precipitate into crystals and form stones that can cause pain in the upper-right abdomen when the gallbladder contracts and releases bile following a meal. Sometimes stones can obstruct the flow of bile out of the gallbladder causing the skin and the whites of the eyes to become jaundiced. If the stones are not removed they can eventually lodge in the bile duct and cause the liver or pancreas to become inflamed.
Most doctors remove the gallbladder if a patient has severe or frequent attacks. This procedure is called a cholecystectomy and can be performed by conventional surgery or by laparoscopy. Laparoscopic surgeries usually have a faster recovery time because tiny incisions are made compared to a conventionally large incision.
People with gallstones should avoid eating foods that cause pain or discomfort. Usually high fat foods cause discomfort. Generally a diet of fruits, vegetables, moderate portions of protein and small amounts of fats are recommended.
