Ultrasound and MRI results at Tam Anh General Hospital in Hanoi revealed a 1.2 cm gallstone in Long's gallbladder. Dr. Vu Truong Khanh, Head of the Gastroenterology-Hepatology-Pancreatology Department, explained that the large stone caused a blockage in the gallbladder neck, resulting in acute cholecystitis. Long received antibiotics and intravenous fluids to stabilize his condition. Afterward, doctors performed laparoscopic surgery to remove the gallbladder and prevent recurrence.

Doctors advised Long to abstain from alcohol, reduce fat intake, and maintain a healthy lifestyle to protect his digestive system.

The gallbladder's primary function is to store and release bile to aid in fat digestion. Bile consists of cholesterol, bilirubin, and bile salts. When these components become imbalanced, they can crystallize and form gallstones of varying sizes. There are three main types of gallstones: cholesterol stones, pigment stones (bilirubin stones), and mixed stones, with cholesterol stones being the most common. Gallstones can cause various complications, including cholecystitis, acute pancreatitis, gallbladder perforation, and bile duct infections.

According to Dr. Khanh, a diet high in fat, processed foods, and excessive meat but lacking in vegetables and fiber, along with habits like skipping meals or rapid weight loss, can make bile more likely to crystallize into stones. Prolonged sitting, lack of exercise, being overweight or obese, having high cholesterol, and metabolic syndrome all increase overall cholesterol levels and disrupt bile metabolism, promoting gallstone formation. While alcohol isn't a direct cause of gallstones, excessive consumption can exacerbate biliary colic symptoms in those with existing stones.

For prevention, Dr. Khanh recommends consuming vegetables and fiber while limiting fatty foods, processed foods, and stimulants. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and staying hydrated can also help prevent gallstone formation. Individuals experiencing pain or discomfort in the upper right abdomen, bloating after meals, nausea, or other unusual symptoms should seek medical attention. Even if gallstones are present but asymptomatic, regular monitoring is still recommended.

Ly Nguyen

*The patient's name has been changed.