The gallbladder is a small, pouch-like organ found underneath the liver. Its main purpose within the body is to store and concentrate bile, which is produced by the liver to help digest fats. Bile is passed from the liver into the gallbladder through a series of channels known as bile ducts.

The bile is stored in the gallbladder and, over time, becomes more concentrated, which makes it better at digesting fats. The gallbladder releases bile into the digestive system when it is needed.

Gallstones are formed when substances, such as cholesterol, bile pigments and/or calcium salts, harden into a solid form. When gallbladder blockage or another obstruction persists, it can cause gallbladder inflammation called Cholecystitis. Although Cholecystitis is very treatable, if left untreated it can become severe.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms may include:

  • Severe abdominal pain, especially at the top right-side or centre of the abdomen
  • Pain that spreads to the back or right-hand shoulder blade
  • Nausea that occurs at the same time as abdominal pain
  • Abdominal pain that is linked to eating a fatty meal
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
  • Clay coloured stools or dark urine

Normally, the pain lasts for a period of 30 minutes but begins to subside after one hour. An attack of biliary colic usually lasts less than six hours.

Prevention

Good lifestyle choices can assist in reducing the risk of gallstones. To prevent gallstones, seafarers must understand the importance of avoiding crash diets or a very low intake of calories (less than 800 calories daily).

It is important to consume fibre provided by:

  • Raw fruits and vegetables
  • Cooked dried beans and peas
  • Whole-grain cereals and bran

Avoid eating excess fat.

Studies have shown that moderate consumption of olive oil (about two tablespoons a day) can lower the chances of developing gallstones. Researchers found that the incidence of gallstones is relatively low among people who live in areas where olive oil consumption is high.

Lecithin (a natural substance used as a thickener in food products such as ice cream and mayonnaise) may prevent gallstones by keeping cholesterol from solidifying in the gallbladder.

Treatment

The treatment of gallbladder disease depends on the type of disease present. When it comes to treating gallstones, there are three options:

  • A ‘watch and wait’ approach if there are no symptoms.
  • Surgery to remove the gallbladder and the stones.
  • Medication to break up the gallstones.

The most common indication of gallbladder disease is gallstones. Gallstone and gallbladder disease only require treatment if they cause symptoms (such as abdominal pain) or complications (such as jaundice or pancreatitis). In these cases, keyhole surgery to remove the gallbladder is advisable. Medications are rarely used to treat gallstones, although they are used to treat the pain of gallbladder disease.

The prescribed treatment will depend on how the disorder is affecting the patient and if they are at risk for ongoing gallbladder disease and accompanying pain. Gallbladder removal is the most common treatment for gallstones that causes ongoing signs and symptoms, infections or other complications.

Alternatively, if the gallbladder removal surgery is deemed too risky, gallstones can be dissolved with drugs that are taken orally.

Source: UK club; Safety4sea

RELATED BSM Insight

The potential of Carbon Capture and Storage for the shipping industry
The potential of Carbon Capture and Storage for the shipping industry

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a safe and efficient way to handle emissions and meet climate targets. And it offers beneficial opportunities for the shipping industry in gaining new business and reducing its own carbon footprint, Johan Lillieskold, Gas Solutions Specialist at Schulte Group, is convinced.

EU ETS: It's time to act
EU ETS: It's time to act

On 1 January 2024, shipping officially joined the European Union’s Emission Trading System (EU ETS). With it emerged a comprehensive set of responsibilities, accompanied by significant financial implications for shipping companies who, for the first time, are included in a market-based measure such as EU ETS. The increased level of interaction between the European Commission and the shipping industry means a novelty for both parties - and an ongoing learning process.

Unlocking operational synergies between yachting and commercial shipping
Unlocking operational synergies between yachting and commercial shipping

The superyacht industry has been developing significantly over the recent years, especially since 2020. Today, the total fleet worldwide is at 12,500 yachts over 24m seeing explorer yachts and multihulls growing in popularity and the attractiveness of very large yachts unbroken, despite other predictions. BSM Yachting has entered this market with an innovative approach.

Revolutionising seafarer training: breaking boundaries
Revolutionising seafarer training: breaking boundaries

Driven by the ever-evolving landscape of the shipping industry, BSM continuously updates the training programmes offered by its Maritime Training Centres (MTC), ensuring they remain at the forefront of industry standards. One example for this dynamic is the MTC’s response to the challenges of the global pandemic resulting in the development of not only highly specialised but also flexible and DNV-approved SIRE 2.0-related courses.

The next challenge in procurement
The next challenge in procurement

Founded in 2017 as a joint venture, GP General Procurement Company Limited (GenPro) is an independent procurement company. GenPro's objective is to negotiate framework supply agreements with international ship suppliers, ensuring BSM’s customers benefit from optimal prices for maritime products and services worldwide. In addition, the company actively advocates for the establishment of more sustainable supply chains.

Nourishing the body and soul of seafarers
Nourishing the body and soul of seafarers

The role of food onboard commercial vessels has always been an essential aspect of seafarers' lives. Throughout the years, there have been significant changes in the requirements and standards related to food onboard commercial vessels, particularly in terms of hygiene, food quality and the importance placed on these aspects for seafarers. For 30 years, Seachef Hospitality Services has been providing catering and hospitality services in the maritime world. Time to look back.