Patient V.T.H (72 years old, residing in La Gi ward, Lam Dong province) was admitted to Gia Dinh People's Hospital facility 2 in a state of severe abdominal pain in the right lower rib area. Through clinical examination and image diagnosis using CT-Scan of the abdominal cavity combined with MRCP, doctors determined that the patient had "stone-on-stone" condition, including aortic bile duct stones causing obstruction, dilated bile ducts and gallbladder stones.
For elderly patients, choosing a minimally invasive but highly effective treatment method is a key factor. Doctors of the General Surgery Department have successfully implemented a multimodal treatment process, combining retrograde pancreatic endoscopy (ERCP) and endoscopic gallbladder removal surgery, helping to thoroughly solve the disease in just 1 surgery.
In the first step, patients are performed ERCP to remove gallstones from the aortic bile duct, releasing bile duct obstruction. This intervention helps lower bile duct pressure, drain stagnant bile fluid, and prevent dangerous complications such as acute bile duct inflammation or acute pancreatitis. After the procedure, the patient's abdominal pain improved significantly.
After the gallbladder is cleared, doctors continue to thoroughly treat the origin of gallstone formation by endoscopic gallbladder removal surgery. Surgery is performed through small trocar holes on the abdominal wall, helping patients with less pain, early movement, rapid recovery and reduce the risk of post-operative complications, especially suitable for the elderly.
After 2 days after surgery, the patient completely relieved of abdominal pain, vital signs stabilized, bilirubin and pancreatic enzyme levels returned to normal, and digestive function adapted well. The patient was discharged from the hospital in stable health and soon returned to normal life.
According to BS.CK2 Nguyen Ngoc Son - Head of General Surgery Department, Gia Dinh People's Hospital, Facility 2 (Saigon Branch), to prevent gallbladder stones, people need to build a scientific diet, increase fiber, prioritize healthy fats, limit cholesterol and bad fats, drink enough water every day, maintain regular exercise, deworm periodically and maintain a reasonable weight. In particular, periodic health check-ups through abdominal ultrasound and necessary tests play an important role in early detection and timely treatment of bile duct diseases.
