- 29.7k views
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
Approach to a Patient with Altered Mental Status
The evaluation of a patient with altered mental status begins with a detailed history. Because the patient may be unable to offer a history, it will be required to seek additional information from family, friends, or the primary medical team. The first step is to ascertain the timing of the mental status change and the circumstances surrounding it, such as medication/drug usage or trauma. An acute change in mental state is a medical emergency that necessitates an immediate, systematic evaluation. Airway, breathing, and circulation ("ABC's") should be evaluated in conjunction with an updated set of full vital signs and finger-stick blood glucose. Tachycardia may indicate a systemic infection, pulmonary embolism, or atrial fibrillation with high ventricular rate.
Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair: Surgical Approach
A 31-year-old woman from Kenya presented at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi, with occasional back and abdominal pain and was diagnosed with Takayasu’s arteritis, a thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA), and anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) positivity. Her condition, complicated by the use of immunosuppressants and anticoagulants, posed significant medical challenges, particularly the high risk of aortic rupture. A multidisciplinary team optimized her care, addressing both her autoimmune disease and medication needs. The complex surgical repair of her TAAA was performed using a unique technique developed by Dr. Niranjan Hiremath, with support from Dr. B N Das, showcasing the hospital's expertise in managing high-risk aortic diseases. This case highlights the importance of innovative approaches and collaborative care in achieving successful outcomes for complex conditions.
AI Solutions for Hospitals
AI in healthcare is the application of machine learning, natural language processing, deep learning, and other AI technologies to improve the experiences of both healthcare workers and patients. AI's data-processing and prediction skills allow health practitioners to better manage their resources and tackle many facets of healthcare in a more proactive manner. With these technology, doctors can make faster and more accurate diagnoses, health administrators can find electronic health information more quickly, and patients can receive more timely and individualized care.
Anemia in Dialysis Patients: Recent Evidence
The evaluation of a patient with altered mental status begins with a detailed history. Because the patient may be unable to offer a history, it will be required to seek additional information from family, friends, or the primary medical team. The first step is to ascertain the timing of the mental status change and the circumstances surrounding it, such as medication/drug usage or trauma. An acute change in mental state is a medical emergency that necessitates an immediate, systematic evaluation. Airway, breathing, and circulation ("ABC's") should be evaluated in conjunction with an updated set of full vital signs and finger-stick blood glucose. Tachycardia may indicate a systemic infection, pulmonary embolism, or atrial fibrillation with high ventricular rate.
Approach to Coronary Artery Diseases
Coronary artery disease (also known as coronary heart disease) is the leading cause of death for both men and women and the most frequent type of heart disease. This largely preventable condition causes hazardous thickening and narrowing of the coronary arteries—the channels that bring blood to the heart—interrupting the passage of oxygen and nutrients to the heart, resulting in major complications. Angina (chest pain) can result from coronary artery disease when there is insufficient blood flow. Over time, the heart needs to work harder, which can lead to heart failure (when the heart is unable to pump adequately) or arrhythmia. The injured arteries may become fully clogged or prone to clotting, resulting in a heart attack.