The stone that blocks the bile duct can cause recurrent episodic pain, unrelenting pain and fever, or even jaundice. The patient's symptoms and the findings on physical exam may lead to the ordering of an abdominal ultrasound to confirm the presence of gallstones. Blood tests or chemistries can help determine the extent of disease. Treatment choices are often dictated by the severity and acuteness of the condition. Medications to dissolve stones are seldom very effective and have side effects that make them difficult to take long term.
Surgical intervention is the best and surest way to treat the diseased gallbladder.
This has been replaced in most cases by the utilization of the laparoscope or videoscope. By this method a camera is placed into the abdomen. Through small incisions, long instruments are used to remove the organ and its stones. Occasionally, x-rays are taken of the bile ducts to look for migrating stones. The entire procedure takes about an hour and can often be performed as an outpatient.