Quick diagnosis and surgery at Walailak University Hospital saved a 60-year-old male from serious problems.
The patient arrived at the emergency room with severe abdominal pain, fever, and jaundice – a yellowing of the skin and eyes. He also reported experiencing discomfort for months prior, including chest tightness, heartburn, and pain after eating. He visited a doctor and purchased medication for gastritis, which provided some relief but did not fully resolve. As the symptoms still persisted and worsened, he headed to Walailak University Hospital for a more thorough investigation. Doctors at the emergency room suspected a bile duct obstruction caused by gallstone and performed an ultrasound, revealing a 1.8-centimeter stone. The patient was admitted and given intravenous fluids and antibiotics to treat the infection.
An endoscopic procedure called ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) was performed to visualize and remove the obstruction. During the procedure, a black stone was identified and removed, along with white pus, indicating a severe infection within the bile duct.
Early diagnosis and treatment of gallstones are crucial to prevent complications like cholangitis, a potentially fatal infection. This case also highlights the importance of having specialized surgeons and proper equipment readily available for successful intervention.
