Gallbladder Diseases

The gall bladder is a pear-shaped (size; -5-12cm) reservoir, located in a fossa on the interior surface of the liver. The fundus, body, infundibulum, and neck are the different parts of the gall bladder. Ducts of Luschka may drain directly from the liver to the gallbladder through a cystic plate across the gall bladder bed. The primary function of the gall bladder is to concentrate and store the bile secreted from the liver; the average storage volume is around 40-50 ml. The gall bladder drains through the cystic duct into the common hepatic duct, from the common bile duct (length; -10-12 cm), and further joins the central pancreatic duct from the ampulla of Vater. Bile contains water, bile salts, bile pigments, fatty acids, lecithin, cholesterol, and electrolytes with a PH of more than 7.0.

Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid and bile. It is the most common disorder of the biliary tree. In developed countries, gall stones occur in 7% of males, and 15% of females aged 18-65 years, with an overall prevalence of 11%. There has been much debate over the role of diet in gallstone disease; an increase in dietary cholesterol, fat, total calories, and refined carbohydrates or lack of dietary fiber has been implicated.

Types: –

1. Cholesterol stones – Light yellow to dark green or chalk white is oval.
2. Pigment (Bilirubin stones) stones – Small, black, numerous stone.
3. Mixed stones (common-90%) – Brownstones

Etiological factors: –

1. Altered GB function (Stasis, poor emptying, infection)
2. Supersaturated bile (fat, high calorie, females)
3. Altered enterohepatic circulation
4. Obesity
5. Rapid weight loss
6. Pregnancy

Clinical Features: –

1. Mostly asymptomatic
2. Gall stone dyspepsia (fatty food intolerance, dyspepsia, flatulence)
3. Cholecystitis (Biliary colic with periodicity)
4. Intense pain is usually felt in the epigastrium or right upper quadrant and radiates to the interscapular region. The right hypochondrium is tender.
5. Tachycardia and restlessness are common
6. Vomiting may be present
7. Mucocele of gall bladder
8. Carcinoma of gall bladder

Investigations: –

1. Ultrasound abdomen
2. Plain X-ray
3. Liver function tests
4. Total WBC count
5. CT Scan abdomen

Other Common GB Disease

• Congenital anomalies
• Choledochal cysts
• CAROLI’S Disease
• Biliary atresia
• Gall stones
• Cholecystitis
• MIRIZZI Syndrome
• Obstructive jaundice
• CA Gallbladder
• Cholangiocarcinoma
• Biliary Fistulas
• Bile duct injuriesGallbladder disease is a condition that affects the digestive system and can be caused by a variety of factors such as obesity, high cholesterol, and a diet that is high in fat. Ayurveda, a traditional Indian system of medicine, offers several remedies for gallbladder disease that can help to alleviate symptoms and promote overall health and wellbeing.According to Ayurveda, the gallbladder is an important organ that is responsible for storing and releasing bile, a digestive fluid that helps to break down fats. When the bile becomes thick and stagnant, it can cause blockages in the gallbladder, leading to pain, inflammation, and other symptoms associated with gallbladder disease.

As per the etiology and clinical presentations, Cholelithiasis can be correlated with pittashmari described in Ayurveda. According to Ayurveda, all three doshas viz. Vata, Pitta, and Kapha play a role in the formation of gallstones.

The excessive increase of pitta caused by hoy, spicy food, alcohol, etc., creates the formation of stones. Kapha is increased by fatty, heavy foods, Vata dries this mixture and molds it into a shape of a stone.

The ayurvedic treatment eliminates the need for surgery by assisting the body in expelling the stones naturally.

Medicines possessing qualities like Lekhana (Scraping action), Bhedana, Mootrala (Diuretic), Anulomana, Deepana, Pachana, Vedanasthapana, Kaphasaamaaka properties helpful to dissolving/reducing the size of ashmari.

Along with these following proper pathya and apthya ahara & vihara helps to lead a healthy life.

Diet and lifestyle modifications: –

1. Drink plenty water
2. Drinking coconut water helps in the disintegration of stone.
3. Avoid fat-rich diet
4. Do regular exercises
5. Diet should be rich in vegetables, fruits, and fiber
6. Do Yoga asanas, as they help to normalize overall body metabolism