Gallstones Treatment in Katy, TX
Gallstones are hardened deposits that develop inside the gallbladder and can range in size from tiny particles to larger stones. While some gallstones cause no symptoms, others can block the flow of bile and lead to sudden abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or other digestive concerns. At Katy Integrative Gastroenterology, our gastroenterology team provides personalized evaluation for patients with symptoms that may be related to gallstones or other gallbladder and bile duct conditions.
If you experience recurring pain in the upper right or upper middle abdomen, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, or other persistent digestive symptoms, a gastroenterologist in Katy, TXcan evaluate the possible cause. Appropriate diagnostic testing can help determine whether gallstones are present, identify potential complications, and guide the next steps in your care.
What are Gallstones?
The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ located on the right side of the abdomen, just below the liver. It stores bile fluid which is produced in the liver. Bile fluid contains water, proteins, fats, cholesterol, bile salts, and bile pigments, which aid in the digestion of food. The gall bladder releases bile fluid into the intestine through the common bile duct following the ingestion of food.
An imbalance in the components that form bile can lead to the formation of gallstones. Gallstones are small, hard deposits that form inside the gallbladder. The size of the gallstone can range from a small grain of sand to a large golf ball.
Gallstones are of two types:
- Cholesterol stones: These are yellowish-green in color and chiefly made up of hardened cholesterol.
- Pigment stones: These are dark and small, usually present in numbers and primarily made of bilirubin, a yellowish bile pigment.
In some cases, a mix of both gallstone types can be seen.
Causes of Gallstones
The exact cause of gallstones is not clear. However, gallstones can form due to increased amounts of cholesterol or bilirubin; or inadequate emptying of the gallbladder.
Risk Factors of Gallstones
The risk factors that increase the chance of having gallstones include:
- Pregnant women and women taking birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy
- Elderly people (>60 years)
- Genetic factors & family history of gallstones
- Ethnic background, esp. native Americans and Mexican-Americans
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Rapid weight loss
- Use of cholesterol-lowering drugs
Signs and Symptoms of Gallstones
Gallstones do not always cause symptoms, and are sometimes called ‘silent stones’. These are often detected by your physician while diagnosing another condition. However, when the gallstone moves and lodges itself in the bile ducts, it causes signs and symptoms such as:
- Pain in the upper abdomen, upper back, and between the shoulder blades; lasting for several hours
- Nausea & Vomiting
- High fever with chills
- Yellowing of skin and eyes
- Other gastrointestinal problems such as bloating, indigestion, and heartburn
Complications of Gallstones
The complications of gallstones include:
- Blockage of the common bile duct leading to jaundice and infection
- Blockage of the pancreatic duct leading to pancreatitis
- Gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis)
- Increased risk of gallbladder cancer
Diagnosis of Gallstones
Your physician diagnoses gallstones based on your symptoms, medical history, and physical examination. The diagnosis is confirmed based on findings from imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT (Contrast Tomography), MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), and ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio- Pancreatography) which helps to locate gallstones in the gallbladder as well as bile ducts. Your doctor may also request blood tests for any complications of gallstones.
Treatment for Gallstones
Gallstones without symptoms do not require treatment. Treatment for symptomatic gallstones and its complications includes medications to dissolve the gallstones, and surgery to remove the gall bladder (cholecystectomy).
Medications can help dissolve gallstones but may take several months to years, so this option is reserved only for patients contraindicated to surgery.
The surgical removal of the gallbladder does not cause any serious problems as it is not necessary for you to live. Surgery is also recommended as gallstones can recur. Once the gall bladder is removed, the bile is directed from the liver into the intestine.
Why Choose Katy Integrative Gastroenterology for Gallstones in Katy, TX?
Choosing a gastroenterology practice for gallstone evaluation involves more than addressing abdominal pain alone. At Katy Integrative Gastroenterology, our team takes a comprehensive approach to evaluating your symptoms and identifying conditions that may affect the gallbladder, bile ducts, and digestive system.
We take the time to understand your symptoms, medical history, risk factors, and individual concerns before recommending diagnostic testing or treatment. Depending on your condition, evaluation may include blood tests, ultrasound, CT, MRI, or specialized procedures when appropriate to assess the gallbladder and bile ducts.
Our practice also takes an integrative approach to digestive health, incorporating gastroenterology, nutrition, and functional medicine when appropriate. This allows our team to consider your overall digestive health, dietary factors, and individual needs while developing a personalized care plan.
Patients in Katy, Houston, and surrounding communities can access comprehensive digestive care from a team focused on accurate evaluation, appropriate treatment planning, and long-term gastrointestinal health.
Gallstones FAQs
What are the symptoms of gallstones?
Many gallstones do not cause symptoms. When a stone blocks a bile duct, symptoms may include sudden or persistent pain in the upper right or upper middle abdomen, pain that may extend to the back or right shoulder, nausea, and vomiting. Fever, chills, or jaundice may indicate a complication that requires prompt medical attention.
What causes gallstones to form?
Gallstones may develop when the substances that make up bile become imbalanced or when the gallbladder does not empty effectively. Cholesterol and bilirubin are among the substances that can contribute to gallstone formation.
How are gallstones diagnosed?
Gallstones are commonly diagnosed using an abdominal ultrasound. Depending on your symptoms and suspected complications, your healthcare provider may also recommend blood tests, CT scans, MRI-based imaging, or other specialized tests to evaluate the gallbladder and bile ducts.
Do all gallstones require treatment?
No. Gallstones that do not cause symptoms often do not require treatment. Treatment may be recommended when gallstones cause recurring symptoms, inflammation, bile duct obstruction, pancreatitis, or other complications.
What treatments are available for gallstones?
Treatment depends on your symptoms and the location of the stones. Symptomatic gallstones are commonly treated with surgical removal of the gallbladder. Certain bile duct stones may require endoscopic treatment, such as ERCP. Your healthcare team can determine which approach is appropriate for your condition.
When should I seek medical care for possible gallstones?
You should seek medical evaluation for severe or persistent upper abdominal pain, particularly when it is accompanied by nausea or vomiting. Symptoms such as fever, chills, jaundice, or severe abdominal pain may indicate a complication and require prompt medical attention.
Schedule a Gallstones Evaluation in Katy, TX
If recurring upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or other digestive symptoms may be related to gallstones, Katy Integrative Gastroenterology can help evaluate your symptoms and determine appropriate diagnostic and treatment options.
Our gastroenterology team provides personalized digestive care for patients in Katy, Houston, and surrounding communities. Contact our office to schedule a consultation and learn more about evaluation and care for gallstones in Katy, TX.
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