According to the most conservative estimates, every tenth inhabitant of the Earth suffers from gallstone disease. This is one of the most common diseases that has become more frequent in recent years in all regions, among both sexes, in all age groups. On the one hand, this is due to the improvement of diagnostic methods, on the other hand, a change in the nature of nutrition and an increase in neuropsychic stress.
At present, the possibilities of both instrumental, ultrasound, and laboratory (biochemical, bacteriological) studies of the biliary system have expanded. Improved the skill of the doctor in both diagnosis and treatment. In addition to surgical methods of treatment, non-surgical methods have also appeared.
But before proceeding with treatment, the doctor must understand the cause of gallstones.
The gallbladder in humans has a length of 5 to 10 mm, 1000 ml of bile is secreted through such a small organ per day. Overheating and physical activity contribute to a decrease in bile secretion. Bile secretion is reduced in the evening hours, but does not stop at night.
The risk group includes people whose relatives suffer from this disease, people who are overweight and lead a sedentary lifestyle. Nutrition plays a very important role. Eating high-calorie and refined foods contributes to the formation of gallstones and disruption of the coordinated work of special sphincters in the bile ducts. At the right time, they open and pass bile into the intestines, where digestion takes place. Doctors call this condition dyskinesia – a violation of the motor function of the biliary tract. A breakdown in the synchronization of the work of the gallbladder and sphincters can lead to stagnation of bile in the bladder, its thickening.
The basis of “stone formation” in the gallbladder is a violation of the ratio between cholesterol and bile acids. If the acid-base balance is disturbed, part of the cholesterol that is not associated with them precipitates and the process of stone formation begins. This is a lengthy process and can take several years.