Pediatric Surgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Feryal Gün Soysal talked about what you need to know about gallbladder stone disease and its treatment in children.
Gallbladder are structures that are normally dissolved in the gallbladder, resulting from the formation of precipitates of cholesterol or pigments.
Gallbladder. It is a sac-shaped organ attached to the underside of the liver. Its function is to store bile, a yellow-green liquid produced by the liver. Bile, which usually accumulates in the gallbladder during fasting, is concentrated and stored here. During digestion, the gallbladder contracts and discharges the bile into the intestine. The function of bile is to ensure the absorption of fats.
Cause of gallstones in children
Gallbladder stones in children are caused by hemolytic anemias (hereditary spherocytosis, sickle cell anemia, thalassemia major, It may develop due to reasons such as long-term total parenteral nutrition administration, sepsis, ileal resection, drug use, short bowel syndrome, etc. Stones are often cholesterol, pigment or mixed stones.
Gallstone symptoms
Most patients have right upper quadrant pain, vomiting, fever and leukocytosis. If fever with chills and jaundice are added to this picture, cholangitis should definitely come to mind. Diagnosis can be made by ultrasonography and with this method, the wall thickness of the gallbladder, the fluid around it It is possible to evaluate the presence and size of the stones.
Gallbladder stone treatment in children
After the diagnosis of gallbladder stones is made, iv fluid and antibiotic treatment is arranged, NG decompression is provided and After the acute period subsides, treatment can be provided with cholecystectomy.
If there are symptoms of gallstones in children, some blood diseases and gastroenterology-related diseases should be examined first. Sometimes, long-term use of antibiotics containing ceftriaxone may cause gallstone formation in children. First, a gastroenterology and hematology specialist should be consulted, and after diagnosis, a pediatric surgeon should be consulted.
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