GALLSTONES

Gallstones also called cholelithiasis refers to formation of stones inside gallbladder. Most of the time they are asymptomatic, and symptoms produced by them are when stones get obstructed in the duct (cystic duct or common bile duct) while passing into small-intestine (duodenum).

There are 2 main types of stones: cholesterol and pigment stones. Sometimes, mixed variety of stone forms from secondary bacterial infection.

What are the causes of gallstones?

Cholesterol stones are formed in following conditions:

1. Obesity (increased cholesterol).
2. Pregnancy (due to high progesterone levels in pregnancy leading to reduced contractibility of gallbladder and greater concentration of bile).
3. Drugs (Birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy for menopause which contain estrogen causing increase in cholesterol. Lipid lowering drugs increases secretion of cholesterol in gallbladder. Somatostatin analogues decreases gallbladder emptying).
5. Diabetes mellitus type 2.
6. Losing weight too quickly (liver secretes extra cholesterol).

Pigment stones are formed in following conditions:

1. Increased haemolysis (breakdown of RBCs) seen in disorders like sickle cell anaemia, hereditary spherocytosis, and beta-thalassemia.
2. Cirrhosis of liver (portal hypertension with splenomegaly leading to increased haemolysis).

What are the symptoms of gallbladder stones?

1. There might be no symptoms at all many of the times.
2. Pain would be in upper abdomen (belly), right upper quadrant of abdomen and may extend to back at right shoulder blade tip. The pain usually begins after having fatty meal.
3. Nausea, vomiting may accompany pain
4. Other gastric symptom like heartburn, bloating, and gas.

How are gallstones diagnosed?

1. USG (ultrasonography) of abdomen helps to detect the gallbladder stones and also inflammation of gallbladder along with pancreas and liver.
2. MRCP (magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography).
3. Endoscopic ultrasound.
4. ERCP (Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography), also therapeutic approach for removal of ductal stone.
5. PTC (percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography).
6. CBC (complete blood count), Liver function test, and serum amylase/lipase levels (to detect inflammation of pancreas).

How to treat gallbladder stones?

1. If not symptomatic than gallbladder stones can be managed medically.
2. In symptomatic patients with gallbladder stones where surgery though indicated possess a high risk than it should be managed medically.
3. Surgery is indicated when:
4. Gallbladder stones are >2 cm in diameter.
5. Nonfunctional or calcified (porcelain gallbladder) who are at risk of gallbladder carcinoma.
6. Patients with spine injury or sensory neuropathies affecting abdomen.
7. Patients with sickle cell disease.
8. Also patients with high risk for gallstones complications includes conditions like cirrhosis of liver, portal hypertension, children, transplant candidates, diabetes.
9. Surgery for removal of gallbladder (cholecystectomy) is done either by laparoscopy or open method.

Can homeopathy help in gallbladder stones?

Yes, definitely homeopathy helps in dissolution of gallstones especially in patients who can be treated medically and where there is no urgent need for surgical removal of gallbladder.

Few remedies which have definite action on gallbladder stones include:

1. Berberis vulgaris: Mark action on liver, promotes the flow of bile. Stitching pain in region of gallbladder, worse from pressure and extending to stomach.
2. Carduus marianus: Main action on liver and portal system. Causes soreness, pain and jaundice. After abuse of alcoholic drinks. Left lobe of liver very sensitive. Swelling of gallbladder with painful tenderness.
3. Chelidonium majus: Jaundice with constant pain under inferior angle of right scapula (shoulder blade). Obstructive jaundice due to gallstones. Enlarged liver. Vomiting better by very hot water.
4. Chionanthus virginica: Liver sore, enlarged with jaundice and constipation. Clay coloured stools. Biliary colic due to gallstones.
5. Dioscorea villosa: Gallstone colic; worse bending forward and while lying, better by walking about.
6. Leptandra virginica: Jaundice with black tarry stools. Sometimes clay coloured stools with jaundice.
7. Fel tauri and Cholesterinum: Helps to emulsify fat and dissolve cholesterol gallstones. Preferably, given in lower triturations.

Note: Homeopathy medicines should be prescribed at the hands of competent homeopathic doctors. Self-medication is strictly not advised.

Dr. Zubin S Dehmeri, MD (Hom.)

Email: connect@drzubindehmeri.com

Mob: +91-9819219042.