Gallstones
Gallstone disease is one of the most common of all digestive diseases. Ultrasound provides a rapid and risk free method to diagnose gallstones. For the majority of patients, gallstones are found incidentally when radiographic imaging is performed for another reason. Twenty percent of patients with incidental gallstones will develop symptoms over the next fifteen years. Overall, approximately ten percent of the population have gallstones, which is more prevalent in females and older age groups. People who develop symptoms are likely to develop recurrent symptoms. Symptoms are referred to as biliary colic – moderately severe right upper quadrant pain radiating to the back and right shoulder with associated nausea. Symptomatic disease is seen more frequently in diabetics, gastric bypass patients, patients with rapid weight loss and pregnant women. Patients with symptoms should seek medical attention.
