Cholelithiasis

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Cholelithiasis is the formation of stones in your gallbladder, also called gallstones. Your gallbladder is located on the right side of abdomen near your stomach. Your gallbladder stores bile, which helps break down the fat that you eat. Your gallbladder also helps remove certain chemicals from your body.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

RISKS:

Cholelithiasis may block the bile duct and lead to cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder). Small gallstones may also cause a blockage in the small intestines. Infection of the gallbladder and swelling of the pancreas may also occur. Surgery to remove gallbladder may cause infection and injury to the bile duct.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Informed consent

is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.

Clear liquid diet:

You may not be able to eat solid food for a period of time. You are allowed to drink water, broth, apple juice, or lemon-lime soda pop. You may also suck on ice chips or eat gelatin.

Nasogastric (NG) tube:

An NG tube is put into your nose, and passes down your throat until it reaches your stomach. Food and medicine may be given through an NG tube if you cannot take anything by mouth. The tube may instead be attached to suction if caregivers need to keep your stomach empty.

Medicines:

• Antinausea medicine: This medicine may be given to calm your stomach and to help prevent vomiting.
  
  
• Pain medicine: Caregivers may give you medicine to take away or decrease your pain.
  
  
  • Do not wait until the pain is severe to ask for your medicine. Tell caregivers if your pain does not decrease. The medicine may not work as well at controlling your pain if you wait too long to take it.
    
    
  • Pain medicine can make you dizzy or sleepy. Prevent falls by calling a caregiver when you want to get out of bed or if you need help.

Tests:

• Blood tests: You may need blood taken to give caregivers information about how your body is working. The blood may be taken from your hand, arm, or IV.
  
  
• ERCP: ERCP is also called endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. This test is done during an endoscopy to find stones, tumors, or other problems. Dye is put into the endoscopy tube. The dye helps your pancreas and bile ducts show up better on x-rays. People who are allergic to shellfish (lobster, crab, or shrimp) may be allergic to this dye. Tell your caregiver if you are allergic to shellfish, dyes, or any medicines. If you have stones, they may be removed during ERCP.
  
  
• Oral cholecystography: Oral cholecystography is a test to look at your gallbladder and its ducts (passages). You are given pills to swallow that have a special dye in them. Then, x-rays are taken over time. The dye makes your gallbladder and its ducts show up on the x-rays. This may make it easier for your caregiver to see any stones or swelling in your gallbladder. Some people may be allergic to the kind of dye used in the pills. Tell caregivers if you are allergic to dye or shellfish (crab, lobster, or shrimp). It is also very important to tell your caregiver if there is any chance you could be pregnant. Your caregiver will tell you what you can and cannot eat before the test. It is important to follow your caregiver's instructions or the test may not work.

Treatments:

• Cholecystectomy: This is surgery to remove your gallbladder. During a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, small incisions are made in your abdomen. A small scope and special tools are inserted through these incisions. A scope is a flexible tube with a light and camera on the end. You may need an open cholecystectomy. This is when a single, larger incision is made to remove your gallbladder and clean out your abdomen.
  
  

Learn more about Cholelithiasis (Inpatient Care)