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Overview of Gallbladder Stones
Gallbladder stones, or gallstones, are crystalline concretions formed within the gallbladder by accretion of bile components. These stones can vary in size from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball and are primarily composed of cholesterol, bilirubin, or a mix of both. The exact cause of gallstone formation is not fully understood, but risk factors include obesity, rapid weight loss, a diet high in fat and cholesterol, diabetes, and certain genetic predispositions. Gallstones can remain asymptomatic, but when they obstruct the bile ducts, they can cause severe pain known as biliary colic, typically felt in the upper right abdomen. Complications from gallstones include cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder), pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), and cholangitis (infection of the bile ducts). Diagnosis is commonly achieved through ultrasound imaging, which can reveal the presence of stones, and other imaging techniques like CT scans or MRIs. Treatment options vary depending on the severity and symptoms; they range from conservative management with dietary changes and medications to surgical interventions, the most common being cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder. Non-surgical treatments like lithotripsy or bile acid pills to dissolve stones are less commonly used. Preventive measures include maintaining a healthy weight, a balanced diet, and regular physical activity. Gallstones are a prevalent condition, especially among women and older adults, often necessitating medical attention to manage symptoms and prevent complications.
About the Speaker
Dr. Prasad Neelam
Managing Director, Surgical Gastroenterology, Sravani Hospitals, Hyderabad
Dr. Prasad Neelam is a distinguished Surgical Gastroenterologist and Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgeon, currently serving as the Managing Director at Sravani Hospitals in Hyderabad. With an extensive medical background that includes an MBBS from NTR University of Health Sciences and an MS in General Surgery from Andhra Medical College, Dr. Neelam further specialized with an M.Ch in Surgical Gastroenterology from Osmania Medical College. His professional journey encompasses over a decade of dedicated service, including significant tenures at Osmania Medical College and Prathima Hospitals, where he honed his skills in advanced gastrointestinal surgery, minimally invasive surgical oncology, and liver transplantation. Renowned for his expertise in both living and deceased donor liver transplants, Dr. Neelam combines clinical research prowess with a commitment to innovative surgical practices, making him a pivotal figure in his field. His contributions to multi-specialty excellence at Sravani Hospitals underscore his dedication to enhancing patient care and surgical outcomes.
Upcoming Case Discussions
Ulcerative Colitis: Treatment and Management review
Respiratory diseases in children, such as asthma, pneumonia, and bronchiolitis, are significant causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. These conditions often present with symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing, requiring prompt diagnosis and management. Advances in medical care have improved the treatment outcomes, but disparities in healthcare access still pose challenges. Preventative measures, including vaccination and reducing exposure to environmental pollutants, play a crucial role in mitigating the impact of these diseases. Early intervention and comprehensive care are essential to enhance the quality of life for affected children.
Chronic Pain: Diagnosis and Management Strategies
The syndrome includes a broad spectrum of chronic pain that lasts longer than three to six months and frequently stems from an injury, illness, or other unidentified cause. An individual's quality of life can be severely compromised by chronic pain, which can result in physical limits, emotional misery, and social isolation. Furthermore, inadequate diagnosis and treatment of chronic pain can exacerbate opioid use disorders and raise the rates of morbidity and death in those who experience it. As a result, medical practitioners need to comprehend chronic pain and use the right treatment plans. Healthcare workers will leave this workshop with a thorough grasp of chronic pain, including how it is evaluated and treated. The many facets of chronic pain are examined by the participants, along with the underlying causes, diagnostic methods, and evidence-based treatments.
Approach to Respiratory Failure
The respiratory system provides oxygen to and removes carbon dioxide from the body; however, the inability to perform either or both of these tasks results in respiratory failure. Type 1 respiratory failure occurs when the respiratory system cannot adequately provide oxygen to the body, leading to hypoxemia, and can be caused by alveolar hypoventilation, low atmospheric pressure/fraction of inspired oxygen, diffusion defect, ventilation/perfusion mismatch, and right-to-left shunt. Type 2 respiratory failure occurs when the respiratory system cannot adequately remove carbon dioxide from the body, leading to hypercapnia, and can be caused by respiratory pump failure and increased carbon dioxide production. Let's discuss the evaluation and management of respiratory failure and highlights the role of the healthcare team in evaluating and treating patients with this condition.
Tobacco and Nicotine Control Laws
Tobacco and nicotine control laws aim to reduce the health risks associated with smoking and nicotine use. These regulations often include raising the legal purchasing age, restricting advertising, and imposing higher taxes on tobacco products. Many countries enforce plain packaging with health warnings to discourage use. Public smoking bans and restrictions on flavored nicotine products help protect non-smokers and reduce youth initiation. Additionally, emerging products like e-cigarettes are increasingly regulated under these laws to ensure public health safety
Approach to Sensoneural Hearing Loss
One typical complaint that gets referred to secondary care for an otolaryngologist's attention is hearing loss. Conductive and sensorineural hearing loss are the two categories of hearing loss. The majority of hearing loss is caused by sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), which is the most prevalent form. Any cause of hearing loss resulting from a disorder of the central nervous system, auditory nerve, or cochlea is referred to as SNHL. An otolaryngologist, an audiologist, a radiologist, and a speech-language pathologist should be part of a multidisciplinary team that investigates and completes a comprehensive audiometric evaluation for patients with recent onset hearing loss.