This archive report was first published on 9 August 2019.
Understanding Gallstones ¶
Published on August 9, 2019, gallstones are a common problem in Kenya, particularly among women above 30. In fact, for the longest time, gallstones were popularly referred to as a disease of the 4 Fs because it occurred mainly in fat, fertile, females aged over 40.
Other risk factors for the development of gallstones include family history, rapid weight loss, a high-fat, low-fibre diet, use of hormonal therapy, liver disease, sickle cell disease, diabetes, and pregnancy.
Treatment Options ¶
There are several options for managing gallstones, including watchful waiting, medication, surgery, and shock wave lithotripsy.
Watchful waiting is reserved for non-symptomatic stones, where patients do not need any intervention. Medication can be given to dissolve the gallstones, but this is not considered an ideal solution as gallstones recur upon discontinuation of treatment.
Surgery involves removal of the gallbladder, which can be done through either keyhole surgery (laparoscopy) or open surgery. Keyhole surgery has a faster recovery time, with patients discharged on the same day or a day after the procedure.
Risks and Complications ¶
As with any surgery, there are risks and complications associated with gallbladder removal, including anaesthetic side effects, bleeding, infection, and accidental damage to internal organs.
Long-term complications may include persistent abdominal discomfort, hernia, and incisional hernia, which requires surgery to close.
Recovery and Pregnancy ¶
Patients can become pregnant once they fully recover from their surgery. In fact, gallbladder surgery does not interfere with one's ability to get pregnant or sire children.
However, some doctors advise waiting at least one year to try and reduce the risk of incisional hernia formation.
Cost and Availability ¶
The cost of gallbladder surgery varies greatly in different hospitals, ranging from Sh50,000 to Sh400,000 in private hospitals. The procedure can be done in most government, private, and mission hospitals.
