User:Mr. Ibrahem/Biliary colic

Biliary colic, also known as a gallbladder attack, is when a sudden pain occurs due to a gallstone temporarily blocking the bile duct. Typically, the pain is in the right upper part of the abdomen, and it can radiate to the shoulder. Pain usually lasts from one to a few hours. Often, it occurs after eating a heavy meal, or during the night. Repeated attacks are common. About 15% of people with biliary colic eventually develop inflammation of the gallbladder if not treated. Other complications include inflammation of the pancreas.

Risk factors include obesity, birth control pills, high triglycerides, diabetes, Crohn disease, cirrhosis, and sickle cell disease. The most common form is cholesterol gallstones. Other forms include calcium, bilirubin, pigment, and mixed gallstones. Diagnosis generally involves ultrasound. Other conditions that produce similar symptoms include appendicitis, stomach ulcers, pancreatitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Treatment for gallbladder attacks is typically surgery to remove the gallbladder. This can be either done through small incisions or through a single larger incision. Open surgery through a larger incision is associated with more complications than surgery through small incisions. Surgery is typically done under general anesthesia. In those who are unable to have surgery, medication to try to dissolve the stones or shock wave lithotripsy may be tried. it is not clear whether surgery is indicated for everyone with biliary colic.

In the developed world, 10 to 15% of adults have gallstones. Of those with gallstones, biliary colic occurs in 1 to 4% each year. Nearly 30% of people have further problems related to gallstones in the year following an attack. Women are more commonly affected than men. Older people are more commonly affected. The first clear description of biliary colic was published in 1506 by Antonio Benivieni.