Dr Öncel Yakar’s comments

There are groups in which gallstones are more common, indicating about 10-20% of the adult population. Advancing age is considered an important risk factor, as the disease is increasingly seen in the age of 40 and above. It is about twice as common in women than men. Factors such as pregnancy, use of birth control pills, and obesity increase the risk of gallstones through hormonal mechanisms. A diet that is rich in cholesterol or fat but low in fiber is also an important lifestyle risk factor. It is more common in those with a family history of gallstones. The frequency of gallstones increases with certain liver diseases and the use of certain drugs. There is no valid method for risk reduction other than general health recommendations such as a healthy diet, weight control, adequate fluid consumption, and exercising.

The gallbladder, which has the task of storing and concentrating some of the bile produced by the liver which is required for fat digestion, is a sac-shaped organ located beneath the liver. Gallstones, which are formed by the imbalance of the chemical composition in the bile, are extremely common. It is reported to be found in approximately one out of every 10 people. Although the incidence is high, it does not always cause symptoms. Gallstones that do not cause complaints do not need to be treated. Gallbladder surgery is required only in case of symptoms or if the physician decides for a surgical procedure for other reasons. Successful results are obtained with laparoscopic cholecystectomy, that is, the method of removing the gallbladder with a minimally invasive method.

With more than 25 years of experience in the surgical treatment of liver-biliary tract-pancreatic diseases and laparoscopic cholecystectomy, in addition to liver transplantation, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Didem Öncel Yakar answers your questions.

With the experience of working in this field for many years and performing many surgeries, we are by your side for diagnosis, selection of appropriate treatment and management of surgical processes in our private practice in Ataşehir. May health be with us in every moment of our lives.