4- Liver Gall Bladder

Liver Function Tests

Blood tests to determine the presence of various chemicals released by liver cells. Used to evaluate and monitor liver disease or damage. Key Chemicals Tested:

  • Albumin

  • Globulin

  • Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)

  • Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)

  • Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)

  • Gamma-glutamyl-transpeptidase (GGT)

  • Bilirubin

Common Causes of Elevated Liver Enzymes:

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

  • Cholesterol-lowering medications.

  • Certain antibiotics.

  • Alcohol consumption.

  • Diabetes.

  • Infections (e.g., viral hepatitis and mononucleosis).

  • Gallstones.

  • Tumors of the liver.

  • Excessive use of herbal supplements.

Gallstones

Occurs when bile contains insufficient bile salts or lecithin, or excessive cholesterol, causing cholesterol to crystallize. Gallstones may cause minimal, intermittent, or complete obstruction to bile flow from gallbladder to duodenum.

  • Treatment Options:

    • Gallstone-dissolving drugs.

    • Lithotripsy (shockwave therapy).

    • Surgery (cholecystectomy) if conservative treatments are not effective.

    • Cholecystectomy: Removal of the gallbladder and its contents for patients with a history of gallstones.

Post-Cholecystectomy Care

Over half a million cholecystectomies performed annually in the U.S. Lifestyle and Dietary Changes Recommended to Prevent Side Effects:

  1. Limit intake of saturated fat.

  2. Avoid alcoholic beverages.

  3. Consume smaller quantities of food per meal; aim for five to six smaller meals instead of two to three larger meals.

  4. Take vitamin and mineral supplements to maintain nutritional balance.