GALLBLADDER SCAN

GALLBLADDER SCAN

A gallbladder scan is a nuclear and radiological procedure used to test and assess the structure and function of one’s gallbladder. It is also referred to as a liver-biliary scan because the liver is often examined for it is much closer to the functions of the gallbladder. During the scan, the radioactive tracer substance will be put into a vein in the arm.

The liver will now remove the tracer from the blood and add it to the bile that normally flows through the bile ducts to the gallbladder. The gallbladder will now then release the tracer into the primary part of the small intestine. A camera will take pictures of the tracer while it moves through the liver, bile ducts, gallbladder, and small intestine.  

Through observing the behavior of the radioactive substance in the body during a nuclear scan, the physician can assess, conclude, and diagnose various conditions, such as obstruction of bile ducts from gallstones, tumors, abscesses, hematomas, organ enlargement, or cysts. A nuclear scan is also used to assess organ function.

Hence, this article will shed light on the readers on the facts and necessary information about gallbladder scans as well as its functions.

TYPES 

The gallbladder is a pouch-like located near the liver that serves as a storage space for bile and can acquire various problems, like gallbladder cancer or inflammation. Gallbladder problems are mostly not showing any symptoms. However, if suspicious symptoms like abdominal pain appear, diagnostic tests will be put forth. 

Gallstones are a common gallbladder problem, its infection can occur if the gallbladder remains blocked by a gallstone or will continue to be inflamed.

 

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of gallbladder problem might include: 

  • Bouts of severe pain in the right upper abdomen and sometimes the right chest or back
  • Pain after eating, particularly high-fat foods, or at night
  • Fever, with shaking and chills, especially if occurring with, or after, abdominal pain
  • Nausea and perhaps vomiting
  • Heartburn and indigestion
  • A feeling of fullness in the abdomen, or excess gas.

DIAGNOSIS

If the patient is complaining about gallbladder-related symptoms, the physician might advise you to do these simple tests. 

  • An ultrasound – This is the most commonly used diagnostic test for gallbladder problems. 
  • X-rays – An abdominal X-ray can spot gas and some types of gallstones containing calcium. 
  • Computed tomography (CT) scan – This imaging test uses a computer and X-rays to spot gallbladder problems but isn’t the most effective method of diagnosing gallstones.  
  • Gallbladder scan – which will see how the gallbladder is working and to determine whether a problem has occurred inside the bladder. 

 

TREATMENT

Treatments for gallbladder problems may vary depending on what type and how severe is the condition of the patient. Furthermore, some patients who have had one or two gallstone attacks may elect to avoid treatment, and pain during an acute gallstone attack is often treated with morphine. Hence, these are some of the common treatments used by physicians:

  • Oral bile salt therapy (<50% effective)
  • Ursodiol (Actigall, for example)
  • Dissolution
  • Lithotripsy (shock waves)
  • A surgical method is called laparoscopic surgery, where the gallbladder is removed by instruments using only small incisions in the abdomen

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