Fever In Patients With Gallstones: Causes And Treatment Options

When a patient with gallstones experiences a fever, it is a sign that requires immediate attention. This symptom may indicate that a stone has become lodged in the neck of the gallbladder, leading to acute inflammation or even gallbladder perforation. Another possible cause is the migration of gallstones into the common bile duct, which can result in obstructive jaundice or acute suppurative cholangitis. These conditions are serious and require prompt medical evaluation.

It is strongly recommended that patients seek care at a reputable hospital, preferably in the general surgery or hepatobiliary surgery departments. Diagnostic procedures such as an abdominal CT scan, along with blood tests and liver function assessments, should be conducted to determine the underlying issue. These tests are essential in identifying complications related to gallstones and guiding appropriate treatment.

If the diagnosis confirms acute or chronic cholecystitis caused by gallbladder stones, or acute suppurative cholangitis due to bile duct stones, timely administration of antibiotics and supportive liver therapy is crucial. In cases where there is significant bile duct pressure and dilation, percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) may be performed to relieve the obstruction and reduce complications.

For patients with solitary bile duct stones or those who are older and may not be ideal candidates for surgery, endoscopic procedures such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), endoscopic nasobiliary drainage (ENBD), or endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage (ERBD) can be considered. This minimally invasive approach allows for both diagnosis and treatment during the same procedure, often resulting in faster recovery and fewer complications.

In conclusion, fever in gallstone patients should never be ignored. Immediate medical consultation and appropriate diagnostic imaging and lab work are essential for identifying life-threatening complications. With modern medical techniques, many of these conditions can be effectively managed through either surgical or endoscopic interventions.