Strawberry gallbladder: Laparoscopy will cure it

Bile secreted from the gallbladder helps in the digestion of food. If the cholesterol level in the blood increases, if there is an excess of bilirubin, or if bile accumulates, it can form stones in the gallbladder. Women are more affected by gallbladder problems than men.

Strawberry gallbladder: Excess fat or cholesterol can also accumulate in the inner layer of the gallbladder called the mucosa, just like in blood vessels, heart or other vital organs. The inner wall, which accumulates in the form of small crystals, looks like a strawberry fruit as shown in the picture. As a result, it has been named strawberry gallbladder. It is also known as cholesterosis. It usually affects middle-aged women. This problem is not commonly seen in young people.

 

Symptoms:
1) Indigestion
2) Gas
3) Discomfort after meals
4) Pain in the right side of the abdomen

 

Risks:
1) Such patients may suffer from gallstone infection.
2) Polyps may develop.
3) Digestive problems may occur.

 

Treatment: Even if there is no gallbladder, bile is continuously produced by the liver and it continuously goes to the small intestine. The gallbladder stores bile. When it receives a signal after eating, it goes from there through the bile duct to the intestine and helps in digestion of food. If the gallbladder is diseased, it does not do its normal work. Then the bile goes directly from the liver to the intestine.

 

The body gets used to it. So, even if the gallbladder is removed due to illness, there is no problem and this is the only treatment. If symptoms of the disease appear, the operation can be performed laparoscopically. Most people experience mild to moderate pain after the operation. Usually, most of the discomfort goes away after three to five days. It is normal to feel tired after surgery. So, you should try to rest. Normal daily activities can be done after a week. However, you should not lift anything heavy for at least two weeks. You should not do any strenuous exercise. If surgery is not necessary, you should follow the doctor's advice and make changes to your diet and reduce fat.

Suggested by: Dr. Morshed Ali, General and Laparoscopic Surgeon, Parkview Hospital, Chittagong.