Many gallstones, especially silent stones, are discovered by accident during tests for other problems. But when gallstones are suspected to be the cause of symptoms, the doctor is likely to do an ultrasound exam. Ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of organs. Sound waves are sent toward the gallbladder through a handheld device that a technician glides over the abdomen. The sound waves bounce off the gallbladder, liver, and other organs such as a pregnant uterus, and their echoes make electrical impulses that create a picture of the organ on a video monitor. If stones are present, the sound waves will bounce off them, too, showing their location. Ultrasound is the most sensitive and specific test for gallstones.
Other tests may also be used.
Computed tomography (CT) scan may show the gallstones or complications.
Magnetic resonance cholangiogram may diagnose blocked bile ducts.
Cholescintigraphy (HIDA scan) is used to diagnose abnormal contraction
of the gallbladder or obstruction. The patient is injected with a radioactive
material that is taken up in the gallbladder, which is then stimulated to
contract.
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Thepatient swallows an endoscope—a long, flexible, lighted tube connected to a
computer and TV monitor. The doctor guides the endoscope through the stomach and into the small intestine. The doctor then injects a special dye that temporarily
stains the ducts in the biliary system. ERCP is used to locate and remove stones
in the ducts.
Blood tests. Blood tests may be used to look for signs of infection, obstruction, pancreatitis, or jaundice.
Gallstone symptoms are similar to those of heart attack, appendicitis, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, hiatal hernia, pancreatitis, and hepatitis. So accurate diagnosis is important.
<< Symptoms l l Treatment >>
Source: Gallstones. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). National Institutes of Health. NIH Publication No. 05–2897: November 2004
Page Last Revised: August 2, 2012
Other tests may also be used.
Computed tomography (CT) scan may show the gallstones or complications.
Magnetic resonance cholangiogram may diagnose blocked bile ducts.
Cholescintigraphy (HIDA scan) is used to diagnose abnormal contraction
of the gallbladder or obstruction. The patient is injected with a radioactive
material that is taken up in the gallbladder, which is then stimulated to
contract.
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Thepatient swallows an endoscope—a long, flexible, lighted tube connected to a
computer and TV monitor. The doctor guides the endoscope through the stomach and into the small intestine. The doctor then injects a special dye that temporarily
stains the ducts in the biliary system. ERCP is used to locate and remove stones
in the ducts.
Blood tests. Blood tests may be used to look for signs of infection, obstruction, pancreatitis, or jaundice.
Gallstone symptoms are similar to those of heart attack, appendicitis, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, hiatal hernia, pancreatitis, and hepatitis. So accurate diagnosis is important.
Source: Gallstones. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). National Institutes of Health. NIH Publication No. 05–2897: November 2004
Page Last Revised: August 2, 2012
