How are Gallstones Diagnosed?

Frequently, gallstones are discovered during tests for other health conditions. When gallstones are suspected to be the cause of symptoms, the doctor is likely to do an ultrasound exam - the most sensitive and specific test for gallstones. A handheld device, which a technician glides over the abdomen, sends sound waves toward the gallbladder. The sound waves bounce off the gallbladder, liver, and other organs, and their echoes make electrical impulses that create a picture of the gallbladder on a video monitor. If gallstones are present, the sound waves will bounce off them, too, showing their location. Other tests may also performed.

• Computerized tomography (CT) scan - The CT scan is a noninvasive x ray that produces cross-section images of the body. The test may show the gallstones or complications, such as infection and rupture of the gallbladder or bile ducts.
• Cholescintigraphy ( HIDA scan ) - The patient is injected with a small amount of non harmful radioactive material that is absorbed by the gallbladder, which is then stimulated to contract. The test is used to diagnose abnormal contraction of the gallbladder or obstruction of the bile ducts.
• Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography ( ERCP ) - ERCP is used to locate and remove stones in the bile ducts. After lightly sedating you, the doctor inserts an endoscope- a long, flexible, lighted tube with a camera - down the throat and through the stomach and into the small intestine. The endoscope is connected to a computer and video monitor. The endoscope helps the doctor locate the affected bile duct and the gallstone. The stone is captured in a tiny basket and removed with the endoscope.
• Blood tests- Blood tests may be performed to look for signs of infection, obstruction, pancreatitis, or jaundice.

Because gallstone symptoms may be similar to those of a heart attack, appendicitis, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, hiatal hernia, pancreatitis, and hepatitis, an accurate diagnosis is important.

(info found @NNDIC/gov/disease/pubs/pdf 145)