CONDITIONS
Upper GI disorders

Cholecystitis

Cholecystitis occurs due to inflammation of a tiny organ that sits at the base of the liver called the gallbladder. The gallbladder stores essential digestive fluid (bile) that is sent to the small intestine. Gallstones block the gallbladder from draining, and this causes inflammation. Bile duct tumours can also cause cholecystitis.

Cholecystitis symptoms
Signs of cholecystitis include:
  • Abdominal pain that travels to the shoulder and back
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Fever
Reasons for cholecystitis
Gallstones arise from an excess of cholesterol in digestive fluid. When there’s too much cholesterol in digestive fluid, yellow-tinged cholesterol stones form. Cholesterol stones form when the liver produces too much cholesterol. Bile cannot dissolve the high amount of cholesterol, and because of this, stones form. The secretion of bilirubin occurs when the liver breaks down old blood cells. Due to blood conditions and liver damage, the liver produces too much bilirubin. The gallbladder fails to destroy a surplus of bilirubin, and because of this, black or dark brownstones form. These stones block the cystic duct that carries bile. Blockage of bile is one of the causes of an inflamed gallbladder. Other reasons for cholecystitis include:
  • Tumours: The formation of tumours prevents the drainage of bile from the gallbladder.
  • Blocked bile duct (Biliary or bile duct strictures): Bile ducts become blocked by scar tissue as a result of a gallstone or infection.
Cholecystitis treatment
Treatment for cholecystitis requires urgent medical attention. During the hospital stay, the patient receives intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration. To treat an infected gallbladder, the doctor prescribes antibiotics. Inflammation may only subside for a short time, and then symptoms begin to recur. Ultimately, Dr Singh performs a minimally invasive cholecystectomy to remove the gallbladder. Bile is redirected from the liver to the small intestine.

Biliary colic

Biliary colic causes pain in the upper region of the abdomen. This pain occurs when a gallstone gets lodged in the bile duct. Biliary colic pain usually subsides when the gallstone moves into the small intestine.

Biliary colic symptoms
Signs of biliary colic include:
  • Dull, aching pain
  • Colic (in the evening or after dinner)
Reasons for biliary colic
Biliary colic occurs after the gallbladder contracts. Once the gallbladder contracts, a gallstone temporarily obstructs the bile duct. When there's an obstruction the duct, pressure in the gallbladder increases; this increased pressure causes biliary colic pain.
Biliary colic treatment
Typically a laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a standard technique that’s performed to treat gallstones.

Peptic ulcer disease

Peptic ulcers are tender sores that develop inside the gastrointestinal tract. Peptic ulcers occur as a result of stomach acid erosion or from bacteria called “H. pylori.” Peptic ulcer disease arises when open lesions develop in the stomach or at the entrance of the small intestine.

Symptoms of peptic ulcer disease
Peptic ulcer disease is characterised by intense pain in the stomach that worsens at night or after a meal. Other signs of the condition include:
  • Stomach bloating
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Temporary pain
Reasons for peptic ulcer disease
The frequent use of pain killers, particularly non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) increases the chances of peptic ulcer disease. Another cause of peptic ulcer disease it the growth of a bacteria (H. pylori) that sticks to the mucous layering of the digestive tract.
Peptic ulcer disease treatment
Untreated ulcers could lead to bleeding, perforation or gastric obstruction. Dr Singh performs an endoscopy to treat bleeding ulcers. The doctor injects medication into the ulcer to stop the bleeding. Another technique involves cauterisation to seal the wound and stop bleeding.
 
 
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