Gallstones, while sometimes asymptomatic, can be discovered during examinations for other health issues. However, if you are experiencing symptoms indicative of gallstones, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis.
Initial Consultation with a Doctor
The first step in diagnosing gallstones often involves a consultation with a general practitioner (GP). During this appointment, the GP will inquire about your symptoms in detail. A physical examination may also be conducted, potentially including Murphy’s sign test to assess gallbladder inflammation.
The Murphy’s sign test involves the GP placing their hand on the upper right area of your abdomen and asking you to take a deep breath. Pain experienced during this test can suggest gallbladder inflammation, requiring prompt medical attention.
Additionally, your GP might recommend blood tests to check for signs of infection and evaluate liver function. Gallstones obstructing the bile duct can impair liver function, making blood tests a valuable diagnostic tool.
Further Diagnostic Tests for Gallbladder Issues
If your symptoms and initial test results suggest the possibility of gallstones, further investigations are usually necessary for a definitive diagnosis. In cases of suspected severe gallbladder disease, same-day hospital admission for testing might be required.
Ultrasound Scan for Gallstones
An ultrasound scan is a common and effective method for confirming the presence of gallstones. This imaging technique uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the body’s internal structures.
Similar to the ultrasound scans used during pregnancy, a transducer, a small handheld device, is moved across your upper abdomen. Sound waves emitted from the transducer penetrate the skin and body tissues, bouncing back to form an image on a monitor.
This painless procedure typically takes around 10 to 15 minutes. Ultrasound scans can often detect gallstones within the gallbladder. However, there might be uncertainty about whether stones have migrated into the bile duct.
While ultrasound can sometimes visualize gallstones in the bile duct, further tests like MRI scans or cholangiography might be needed if bile duct involvement is suspected but not clearly seen on ultrasound.
MRI Scan for Bile Duct Gallstones
An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan may be performed to specifically examine the bile ducts for gallstones. This scan utilizes strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of internal organs and structures, providing a clearer view of the bile ducts compared to ultrasound.
Cholangiography for Detailed Gallbladder and Bile Duct Assessment
Cholangiography is a procedure that offers a more in-depth assessment of the gallbladder and bile ducts. It involves the use of a contrast dye that is visible on X-rays. The dye can be administered into the bloodstream, directly into the bile ducts during surgery, or via an endoscope passed through the mouth.
X-ray images taken after dye administration can reveal abnormalities in the bile and pancreatic systems. In a normally functioning system, the dye will be absorbed by the liver, bile ducts, intestines, and gallbladder as expected.
Blockages within the bile ducts can be identified through this test. In some cases, if a blockage is detected during cholangiography, the doctor might attempt to remove it using an endoscope in a procedure known as Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatography (ERCP).
CT Scan for Gallstone Complications
A CT (Computed Tomography) scan might be employed to investigate potential complications arising from gallstones, such as acute pancreatitis. This type of scan uses X-rays taken from multiple angles to create cross-sectional images of the body.
CT scans are frequently used in emergency situations to diagnose the cause of severe abdominal pain and can help identify complications related to gallstones.
Page last reviewed: 19 November 2021
Next review due: 19 November 2024
