Can gallbladder stones cause jaundice?

Can gallbladder stones cause jaundice?

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The gallbladder is one of the small organs in our body, which plays a crucial role in the digestive system. It looks like a pear fruit and is located just under the liver. Its main objective is to store and filter the bile juice and release it into the small intestine through the bile ducts to break down fatty foods we consume. This bile, a greenish-yellow fluid that is produced by the liver, is also efficient in nutrient absorption.

On the other hand, jaundice is a condition where your skin and the whites of the eyes become yellowish. It is caused due to the presence of excess bilirubin in the bloodstream. This bilirubin is a yellow pigment that is formed at the time of red blood cell breakdown. Usually, the liver processes and eliminates this bile, but if any underlying condition prevents the process, it results in jaundice.

Gallbladder Stones

Gallbladder stones, often called gallstones, are solid deposits that develop out of cholesterol, bile pigments, or calcium salts in the gallbladder. Usually, these gallstones are formed in different sizes due to a chemical imbalance in bile. Around 10-15% of adults are at risk of developing gallstones at some point in their lives.

The primary reasons for chemical imbalance are:

• Elevated levels of cholesterol in the body
• Production of more bilirubin 
• Inability to empty the gallbladder
• Excess weight or obesity
• Loss weight quickly
• Certain health problems

Connection between gallstones and jaundice

Jaundice occurs when the liver fails to flush bilirubin out of the body. In general, bilirubin is processed and mixed with bile in the liver, which is transported into the small intestine and then excreted out of the body. In some cases, gallstones formed in the gallbladder might travel into the bile ducts and block the tubes, disturbing the entire process. Blocking the bile ducts can lead to severe medical complications that may result in jaundice. 

As the bile duct is blocked, the path to carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder and into the small intestine is also blocked. This prevents the free flow of bile (and bilirubin) fluid, accumulating bilirubin in the bloodstream. This is called obstructive jaundice.

Bile may accumulate due to blockage and tend to flow back into the liver, inhibiting its major function of processing and excreting bilirubin. Too much bilirubin in the bloodstream turns your skin, eyes, and mucous membranes a yellow colour—a classic symptom indicating jaundice.

In some severe cases, the blocked bile duct might be inflamed, leading to a condition called cholangitis or cholecystitis. Over time, these conditions worsen jaundice as they can increase bile flow. 

The Charcot’s triad—a condition caused in cases of severe infections with symptoms like fever, abdominal pain, and jaundice.

If the obstruction of bile is not treated, then the liver becomes dysfunctional. This is because accumulation of bile can damage the liver cells. This may worsen jaundice and can lead to various health complications if not treated.

Signs and Symptoms that gallstones leading to jaundice 

You may experience the following symptoms if gallstones cause jaundice.

• Dark urine due to elevated bilirubin levels
• Light-colored stools due to reduced quantity of bile transfer into the intestine
• Skin and eyes turn yellowish colour 
• Pain in the abdominal area
• Intense itchy feeling on the skin
• Fever and chills
• Nausea and vomiting

If you observe any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to consult an expert doctor. He may suggest certain diagnostic tests like ultrasound, blood tests, MRI, etc. to confirm the presence of gallbladder stones and their part in developing jaundice. 

Treatment 

The main intention of treatment in this case would be clearing the obstruction, which means removing the gallstones and restoring the bile flow. However, the treatment mainly depends on the severity of the condition.  

In some cases, oral medications are given to dissolve small cholesterol stones. However, it may take months and might not be effective always.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is another form of treatment that can remove the stones stuck in the bile duct.  

In most cases, removing the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) is a common treatment in cases of gallstones, especially if they are recurring, obstructing the bile ducts, or causing complications like jaundice, gallbladder inflammation, etc. Most of the time, cholecystectomy is performed as a laparoscopic procedure as it has many benefits, which include quick recovery. 

Yes, gallstones can cause jaundice. If you are having gallstone problems, don’t wait; consult Dr. Venugopal Pareek, one of the best laparoscopic and bariatric surgeons in Hyderabad. Call us at +91 91777 77715 for personalised advice and treatment options.