
130 gallstones are discovered inside a 40-year-old woman’s gallbladder at Hung Vuong General Hospital, Phu Tho Province, northern Vietnam. Photo: Supplied
This was one of the surgeries involving the highest number of gallstones ever performed at the hospital.
Upon examination and ultrasound imaging, doctors discovered multiple gallstones that had been accumulating over the years, leading to acute cholecystitis, a serious inflammation of the gallbladder.
A surgical team performed a laparoscopic cholecystectomy to remove the gallbladder and prevent further complications.
The procedure revealed 130 stones of various sizes densely packed inside the organ.
Following the operation, the patient was transferred to the general surgery department for ongoing care and monitoring.
Doctors explained that gallstones are formed due to the deposition of bile pigments, which can develop into sludge or solid stones within the bile ducts, obstructing the flow of bile.
Gallstones are among the most common gallbladder conditions, especially in tropical countries.
In many cases, gallstones in the gallbladder or liver may not produce noticeable symptoms.
However, when patients experience persistent pain in the right upper abdomen, either dull or sharp, radiating to the back or epigastric region, along with fever, jaundice, or dark urine, it often indicates complications requiring urgent medical attention.
Gallstones in the bile ducts can cause more severe symptoms than those in the gallbladder, even in the early stages of formation.
Gallstone disease can lead to serious conditions such as biliary tract infections, bile peritonitis, or even bile duct necrosis, all of which demand early surgical intervention to avoid life-threatening outcomes.
Medical experts note that women aged 40 or older, particularly those who are overweight, physically inactive, or consume high-fat diets, are at greater risk for developing gallstones.
These individuals are advised to monitor their health closely.
Doctors also emphasize the importance of regular health checkups for early detection and treatment, which are crucial in preventing dangerous complications related to gallstone disease.
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