The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped pouch beneath the liver in the upper abdomen. It stores bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver that helps break down fat. The gallbladder releases bile into the small intestine through the bile duct, a thin tube connecting the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine. Cancer can develop when abnormal cells in these structures multiply and grow uncontrollably.
At R L Gastrocare Clinic, Dr. Rupesh Lunkad, a leading Gastroenterologist and Liver Specialist in Pune, provides expert diagnosis and treatment for gallbladder and bile duct disorders.
Common Gallbladder Problems
One of the most common gallbladder issues is gallstone disease. While some patients remain asymptomatic, others experience severe abdominal pain. Occasionally, gallstones may slip into the bile duct, leading to bile duct inflammation (Cholangitis), which can cause serious complications.
Gallbladder and bile duct cancers, known as adenocarcinomas, originate in the glandular cells lining these ducts. These cancers can develop anywhere along the bile duct and are more common in women than men. Risk factors include gallstones, liver fluke parasite infections, sclerosing cholangitis, ulcerative colitis, and cirrhosis—all of which contribute to chronic inflammation and scarring.
Symptoms of Gallbladder & Bile Duct Disorders
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
- Abdominal pain or swelling
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Itching
- Persistent fever
- Clay-colored stool
Diagnostic Tests at R L Gastrocare Clinic
For accurate diagnosis and effective treatment, Dr. Rupesh Lunkad recommends a combination of the following investigations:
- Blood Tests: Liver Function Test (LFT)
- Imaging: Ultrasound (USG) of the Abdomen, Contrast-Enhanced CT (CECT) of the Whole Abdomen, Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)
- Advanced Endoscopic Tests: Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) and Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for therapeutic intervention
Treatment Options
Based on the diagnosis, patients at R L Gastrocare Clinic, Pune, receive personalized treatment, including:
- Medications for managing symptoms and controlling infections
- Endoscopic Procedures such as ERCP for removing bile duct obstructions
- Surgical Intervention if necessary for gallbladder removal or bile duct repair
For specialized care related to gallbladder and bile duct diseases, visit R L Gastrocare Clinic on Pune Satara Road, where Dr. Rupesh Lunkad offers expert consultation and advanced treatment options.
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