Biliary Colic Case Study

Biliary Colic, Adult

Biliary colic is severe pain caused by a problem with a small organ in the upper right part of your belly (gallbladder). The gallbladder stores a digestive fluid produced in the liver (bile) that helps the body break down fat. Bile and other digestive enzymes are carried from the liver to the small intestine though tube-like structures (bile ducts). The gallbladder and the bile ducts form the biliary tract.

Sometimes hard deposits of digestive fluids form in the gallbladder (gallstones) and block the flow of bile from the gallbladder, causing biliary colic. This condition is also called a gallbladder attack. Gallstones can be as small as a grain of sand or as big as a golf ball. There could be just one gallstone in the

These may include:

• Cholescintigraphy or hepatobiliary scan (HIDA scan).

• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).

TREATMENT

Treatment for this condition may include medicine to relieve your pain or nausea. You may need surgery to remove the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) if you have gallstones that are causing biliary colic. Gallstones can also gradually be dissolved with medicine. It may take months or years before the gallstones are completely gone.

HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.

• Drink enough fluid to keep your urine clear or pale yellow.

• Follow instructions from your health care provider about eating or drinking restrictions. This may include avoiding:

○ Fatty, greasy, and fried foods.

○ Any foods that makes the pain worse.

○ Overeating.

○ Having a large meal after not eating for a while.

• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

PREVENTION

Steps to prevent this condition include:

• Maintaining a healthy body