1,600 gallstones removed from Emirati woman

More than 1,600 stones of different sizes were removed from the gallbladder of a 40-year-old woman at Khalifa General Hospital in Umm Al Quwain on Thursday.

Dr. Tahir Hilmi, head of the medical team and general surgery and surgical endoscopy consultant, said the patient reported to the outpatient clinics section, complaining about recurring pain on the upper right part of her abdomen for more than a year.

She underwent an ultrasound, which showed pile-up of a large number of stones in her gallbladder.

"The team supervising the case decided to perform a laparoscopic surgery," Dr Hilmi said. An operation was performed which lasted almost an hour. More than 1,600 stones were removed from her gallbladder, with success and without complications, Dr Hilmi added.

The patient, he said, was hospitalized for two days, and discharged after her condition became stable.

Speaking about how the stones are formed in the gallbladder, Dr Hilmi pointed out that the biggest reason is obesity and consumption of full-fat foods, high cholesterol and high level of diabetes.

"Family history and genetic factor is another reason behind these stones," he said and advised people to avoid taking fast food and full-fat foods, while increasing intake of fiber food and water.

"Anyone who feels abdominal pain and suspects stones in gallbladder must report to a specialist surgeon for advice before developing serious complications," he warned.

Source: Khaleej Times