Define Biliary colic
Refers to intermittent right upper quadrant pain caused by gallstones
Describe biliary colic pain
Pain is typically sudden,dull, and colicky in nature
The pain is typically in the right upper quadrant although it may radiate to the epigastrium and/or back
What is the most common cause of biliary colic
Gallstones
Describe how a gallstone is able to cause biliary colic
- The gallstone temporarily obstructs the drainage of the gallbladder, causing the pressure in the gallbladder to increase – which causes the biliary colic pain
- The gallstone is either gets lodged at the neck of the gallbladder or in the cystic duct
- The episode of pain typically lasts 30 minutes- 6 hours
- When the gallstone falls back into the gallbladder the symptoms resolve
- Pain is frequently associated with nausea and may precipitate vomiting
Why does the consumption of fatty foods trigger biliary colic pain
The fatty acids stimulate the duodenum endocrine cells to release cholecystokinin (CCK), which in turn stimulates contraction of the gallbladder
Name some of the management options to provide sympatomic relief for patients with biliary colic
Analgesia: Paracetamol +/- NSAIDs +/- opioid analgesia
Dietary changes: A low-fat diet may significantly reduce the number and severity of episodes
Lifestyle modifications: Weight loss, increasing exercise, low fat diet
