Gallstones

Data gathering

  • Red flags – fever, weight loss, yellowing of skin
  • Examine – temp, pulse, BP, abdominal exam

 

Clinical management

  • Investigations
    • Bloods – FBC, U+Es, LFTs, CRP
    • USS abdo
  • Explanation
    • the gallbladder helps make bile which helps with digestion of food, sometimes this bile can become small stones (or a large stone). In most cases, this does not cause symptoms but some people have symptoms because the stone gets trapped in a duct causing pain
  • Treatment
    • Conservative – can be left alone if asymptomatic
    • Refer – cholecystectomy
  • Follow-up / Safety net – if fevers/worsening pain/yellowing of skin, rw again