Biliary colic

Biliary Colic

Introduction

Biliary Colic is a medical condition characterized by severe pain in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen. This pain, often described as a gripping or gnawing pain, is typically caused by the obstruction of the bile ducts due to gallstones. Biliary colic is a symptom of gallbladder disease, indicating that a gallstone is temporarily blocking the bile flow from the gallbladder into the small intestine.

Gallbladder with gallstones.

Causes

The primary cause of biliary colic is the presence of gallstones in the gallbladder or bile ducts. Gallstones are hard particles that form from bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver. Factors contributing to gallstone formation include high cholesterol levels in the bile, excessive bilirubin, and gallbladder malfunction.

Symptoms

Symptoms of biliary colic include:

• Sudden and intense pain in the upper right abdomen or center of the abdomen, just below the breastbone
• Pain that radiates to the back or right shoulder blade
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pain that intensifies after eating, especially fatty or greasy foods

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of biliary colic involves a combination of physical examination, medical history, and diagnostic tests, including:

• Abdominal ultrasound: A non-invasive test that uses sound waves to create images of the gallbladder and detect gallstones.
• Blood tests: To check for signs of infection or inflammation.
• Other imaging tests: Such as a CT scan or MRI, may be used to get detailed images of the gallbladder and bile ducts.

File:Abdominal ultrasound.jpg

Abdominal ultrasound showing gallstones.

Treatment

Treatment for biliary colic primarily focuses on pain management and addressing the underlying cause, which is usually gallstones. Options include:

• Medication: Pain relief medications and drugs to dissolve gallstones.
• Surgery: A cholecystectomy, or surgical removal of the gallbladder, is often recommended if gallstones frequently cause symptoms.
• Non-surgical procedures: Such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) to remove stones from the bile duct.

Prevention

Preventive measures for biliary colic and gallstones include maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet low in fat and high in fiber, and staying active. In some cases, medication to prevent gallstones may be recommended for individuals at high risk.

See Also

• Gallstones
• Cholecystectomy
• Gallbladder disease

References

• "Gallstones and Biliary Colic." American College of Gastroenterology.
• "Diagnosis and Treatment of Gallstone Disease." The Practitioner.

External Links

• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Gallstones
• American College of Gastroenterology

Biliary colic Resources
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