QUESTION: I’m sending this query on behalf of my father. He is 65 years old and in relatively good shape. He used to be a smoker but gave up 10 years ago.
He is a casual drinker as well. He does exercise regularly but has been limited due to a weak knee. He has constant problems with heartburn and is continuously on remedies. He also experiences bad leg cramps and arthritis for which he uses a multitude of natural herbal remedies.
About six years ago my dad was diagnosed with gallstones. He was advised to have them removed but did not pursue this. A month ago he became sick – vomiting, nausea, fever, pain, and stomach cramps. He was hospitalised and put on painkillers and an antibiotic drip. The diagnosis was gallstones once again.
Testing confirmed gallstones, but as my father’s symptoms were much better, an operation was scheduled for later. My father has recovered from the infection caused by the gallstones and is reluctant to pursue the surgical route. His query is whether surgery is the only option or are there any “alternative” non-surgical treatments.
ANSWER: Most physicians recall with fondness the orthodox gallstone cholecystitis patient profile: fat, forty, fertile, and female. This is often over-interpreted as we see many male patients in older age group with cholecystitis
Gallstone symptoms include:
* Nausea and vomiting.
* Fever.
* Severe cramping.
* Abdominal pain over liver area extending to the epigastrium or stomach area.
What are the treatment options?
Conservative management during the acute inflammatory stage includes intravenous analgesia, anti-emetics and antibiotics.
The problem is that the gallstones move into the bile ducts and cause obstruction – leading to recurrent inflammation. One often feels better once the nausea and pain are treated. However, if you do not remove the stones and gall bladder you run the risk of a repeated cholecystitis. A necrotic (rotting) gall bladder can cause dire complications, including severe sepsis and death.
The procedure is called a cholecystectomy and the gall bladder can be removed by endoscopic surgery in most cases. The operation was previously a lot more intrusive with larger incisions and the complications thereof. Ensure that your surgeon is skilled in Laparoscopic procedures if this is the route you choose to take.
* Dr Darren Green, a trusted figure in the field of media medicine, is a University of Stellenbosch graduate who adds innovative spark to health and wellness issues. He features on 567CapeTalk.
If you’ve got medical problems, contact the doctor at [email protected], 021 930 0655 or Twitter @drdarrengreen.
The advice in this column does not replace a consultation and clinical evaluation with a doctor.
Cape Argus