Yaz and gallstones can cause a number of health problems associated with the biliary tract. Women who are taking this birth control pill are exposed to gallbladder disease, acute pancreatitis, and infection of the common bile duct (among other problems). This latter condition is called cholangitis. If it is allowed to persist, it can lead to serious consequences, including liver damage and infection elsewhere in your body. Please contact us for the latest Yaz gallbladder lawsuit 2010 news and information.
How Bile Duct Infection Occurs And Spreads
Yaz contains estrogen and a progestin called drospirenone. Together, these hormones are believed to increase the level of cholesterol secreted by the liver and reduce the contraction activity of the gallbladder. Both circumstances may increase the likelihood that Yaz gallbladder problems will occur.
Most stones form inside the gall bladder, though they can occasionally form in the bile duct (known as primary stones). In the former case, they can migrate outside the organ and into the cystic duct, creating a blockage near the entry to the gallbladder. Some migrate further down the biliary tract.
Normally, bacteria colonizes the bile duct, having first originated in the duodenum (i.e. upper portion of your small intestine). When the flow of bile fluid is unhindered, infection is rare since it is prevented by your body’s antibacterial defenses. However, when stones block the passage of bile in the duct, these defenses become compromised. Colonization of bacteria increases within the duct, eventually causing infection.
The onset of infection in the bile duct is merely the beginning of a developing problem. If neglected, the bacteria will ascend the duct toward the liver and gallbladder. Called ascending cholangitis, bacteria climbs through the hepatic duct and causes infection in the liver. The condition is considered a medical emergency; it is potentially fatal if the infection is left unresolved.
Common Symptoms And Prognosis Of Cholangitis
When infection first presents, symptoms are similar to those of Yaz gallbladder disease. You will experience sharp pain in the upper right region of your abdomen as well as fever and nausea. Many patients also experience jaundice.
These symptoms require hospitalization. Doctors will try to control the bile duct infection by administering antibiotics. It is important to note, however, that antibiotics will not resolve the condition’s root cause – in this case, gallstones within the bile duct.
By the time bacterial colonization reaches the hepatic duct and liver, infection may have spread through the bloodstream to other areas in your body. At this advanced stage, you may experience multiple organ failure, sepsis, and shock. Severe cases of acute cholangitis can lead to heart failure and death.
Draining The Bile Duct And Retrieving Stones
Drainage of the bile duct is a necessary step to help control the infection. In the past, this was performed through surgery. Today, endoscopic or percutaneous drainage is preferred since both methods are less invasive, and thus pose less risk of complications. On rare occasions, a nasobiliary drain may be installed to drain bile through the nose.
If gallstones are suspected as the root cause of cholangitis, the stones must be retrieved. This is usually done with a procedure known as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). A thin instrument called an endoscope is passed down the throat and directed through the stomach to the duodenum. A catheter is then passed through the endoscope to release a radiopaque dye into the bile duct. X-rays are taken of the duct to display the flow of the dye and help your doctor identify blockages caused by gallstones.
Next, a procedure known as endoscopic sphincterotomy is done to retrieve the stones. The sphincter of Oddi is cut to widen the opening from the duct into the duodenum. This improves the flow of bile and allows your doctor to remove the obstructing stones.
Cholangitis is one of the more serious Yaz side effects. As noted, it can be life-threatening. If you have suffered Yaz gallbladder problems, including gallbladder disease or gallstones, you may have the right to file a claim for compensation against the manufacturer. Contact a Yaz lawsuit gallbladder lawyer to discuss your case.
Yasmin Gallbladder Side Effects: Infection, Perforation, And Other Dangers Of Gallstones
Yasmin birth control gallbladder problems can cause acute gallbladder disease (known as cholecystitis). This condition is accompanied by severe abdominal pain, fever, and nausea. It often results in the patient needing surgery in order to have her gall bladder removed. Many women are unaware that stones within the biliary tree can also cause several dangerous secondary conditions. While gallbladder disease is painful, these secondary side effects are often far more serious.
Perforation Of The Gall Bladder
Stones that cause bile to remain trapped within the gallbladder result in inflammation of the organ’s wall. The wall becomes increasingly irritated and slowly erodes. Eventually, a hole develops, which allows the contents contained within the gall bladder to spill into the abdominal cavity. This leads to acute inflammation of the abdominal wall’s tissue, a condition known as peritonitis. Given sufficient time, infection will present.
By some estimates, one in ten cases of gallbladder disease involve some degree of perforation. The organ must be removed. If the condition is left untreated, it can become life-threatening.
Cholangitis
When stones cause a partial obstruction in the common bile duct, bacteria enters the biliary tree from the small intestine, and spreads. This bacteria climbs upward through the duct and lays the groundwork for infection. If it is not treated, it can reach the liver and kidneys, causing liver damage and kidney failure.
Antibiotics are usually sufficient for controlling the spread of bacteria and infection. Once these medications have been administered, a doctor will perform endoscopic sphincterotomy to drain the common bile duct. The danger is that bacteria can reach the bloodstream and spread to other areas of the body before this procedure can be done. Once it becomes systemic, it is far more difficult to contain.
Gallstone Pancreatitis
Your pancreas secretes digestive enzymes that flow through the pancreatic duct on their way to your small intestine. Along the way, this duct merges with the common bile duct. Yasmin gallstones that migrate to the lower portion of the duct (near the ampulla of Vater) can block the passage of these enzymes. Trapped within the duct, they become active and begin digesting the pancreas. This condition is called pancreatitis. It can be life-threatening.
Gallstone pancreatitis is usually treated with a two-pronged approach: ERCP with endoscopic sphincterotomy. This procedure is considered urgent when the pancreas becomes inflamed.
Gall Bladder Polyps
Polyps are abnormal growths that form in the wall of the gallbladder. They are occasionally cancerous. In most cases, the growths are identified during ultrasonography (an imaging test). While their root cause remains unclear, doctors report a definite connection between polyps and gallstones. If they are detected, the gallbladder is almost always surgically removed.
Gallbladder Cancer
While gallstones have not been verified as the cause of gallbladder cancer, they are present in the majority of diagnosed cases. If the disease is identified in its early stages while it remains localized, it can usually be treated successfully. If it is detected in an advanced stage, the mortality rate increases significantly. It is worth noting that cancer of the gall bladder is very rare.
Death Of Gallbladder Tissue
Occasionally, inflammation of the gall bladder is so severe that it cuts off blood flow to the organ. Without a constant supply of blood, the organ’s tissue begins to die. As tissue death (i.e. necrosis) begins to spread, the condition progresses to gangrene. In such cases, the gallbladder must be surgically removed immediately in order to prevent further infection of the surrounding structures.
The Yasmin gallbladder problems described above are atypical. However, when they occur, they present dangerous circumstances that require immediate medical attention. If you or someone you know has suffered Yasmin gallbladder problems, including gallstones, you may have the right to file a claim against the manufacturer. Contact a Yasmin lawsuit gallbladder lawyer to discuss your case.
Yaz and gallbladder problems involving gallstones have contributed to gallbladder disease in women who are otherwise healthy. The hormones in Yaz birth control increase the level of cholesterol secreted by the liver while simultaneously decreasing your gallbladder’s contraction activity. These circumstances lead to the formation of gallstones.
Stones are rarely symptomatic. However, if they prevent the passage of bile from the gall bladder, they will cause inflammation and biliary colic. These are the signature side effects of Yaz gallbladder disease. You might experience severe abdominal pain, fever, and nausea.
Doctors can perform a number of different tests to conclusively diagnose the presence of gallstones. One of their first priorities is to rule out unrelated conditions.
Non-Related Conditions That Must Be Ruled Out
Pain in the abdominal area can be caused by several conditions that are unrelated to stones. For example, irritable bowel syndrome may produce similar discomfort, though it is usually localized in the lower abdomen. A kidney infection might also mirror the pain caused by stones (a urinalysis can eliminate it as a contributing factor). Pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and gastroesophageal reflux can also cause abdominal pain.
Another condition your physician will want to rule out is pancreatitis. This can be problematic because nearly four in ten cases are related to the presence of stones in the common bile duct. Pancreatitis requires a different treatment approach than gallbladder disease.
Blood Tests
Blood tests are valuable for forming a preliminary diagnosis for stones. If you’re suffering from biliary colic, there will often be a higher level of bilirubin in your blood. Certain liver enzymes are usually in abundance when gallstones are present in the bile duct. If your gallbladder is inflamed, there may be a higher white blood cell count. These abnormalities, while inconclusive, can be helpful for diagnosing Yaz gallstones.
Computed Tomography (CT) And Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Helical CT scans can be useful because they provide clear, fast images of the abdominal structures (i.e. gall bladder, pancreas, liver, etc.). However, this type of test is normally used as a complement to other imaging procedures. Doctors also use CT scans to confirm suspicions of perforated organs or other complications.
MRIs, and specifically, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), can also produce clear images – often, as good as those generated by more invasive techniques. These tests use a dye that is released into the biliary tract to detect abnormalities, including bile duct stones.
Ultrasonography Of The Abdomen
This is the most common diagnostic test for detecting stones in the gallbladder. Ultrasound waves are used to create an image of the gall bladder, pancreas, liver, and common bile duct. These images will show aberrations, including a thickening of the gallbladder’s wall (a sign of acute cholecystitis).
The advantages of ultrasonography are that it is quick, non-invasive, and extremely accurate. But there are also drawbacks. The test is far less useful for detecting gallstones in the bile duct. Nor can it detect stones that are smaller than 2 millimeters in diameter.
Cholescintigraphy (Or HIDA Scan)
A HIDA scan is more accurate than ultrasonography, but requires more time to perform (up to 2 hours). A radioactive contrast dye is introduced into your bloodstream intravenously. The dye is secreted by your liver into bile fluid. A doctor can observe the flow of bile as it moves through the ducts. If the bile fluid fails to enter your gallbladder,that suggests a blockage exists in the cystic duct. Likewise, if the fluid fails to flow freely through the common bile duct, that suggests bile duct stones.
It’s worth noting that a HIDA scan does not technically identify stones. Instead, the test is used to observe the flow of bile through the biliary tract. That may reveal irregularities worth investigating.
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
ERCP is the most effective test for detecting Yaz gallstones that are present in the common bile duct. An endoscope (a thin tube equipped with a light and camera) is passed down the throat, through the esophagus and stomach, and into the duodenum. A radioactive dye is released into the bile duct, and x-rays are taken to identify blockages. While the procedure is invasive, it can be combined with endoscopic sphincterotomy to remove bile duct stones.
Gallstones, while usually asymptomatic, can present severe symptoms without warning. When this occurs, doctors will nearly always recommend gallbladder removal surgery (though the procedure will not address bile duct stones). If you or someone you love has suffered gallstones or other gallbladder problems after using Yaz birth control, you may have a legal right to file a claim. Contact an experienced Yaz lawsuit gallbladder lawyer to discuss your case.
Gallbladder disease and Yaz is normally discussed in the context of the gallbladder becoming inflamed. When this occurs, the organ is usually removed through a minimally invasive surgical procedure called laparoscopic cholecystectomy. However, there are occasions when this approach is insufficient for addressing some of the related side effects of Yaz gallbladder disease. One of these side effects is called cholangitis. It is a dangerous condition and requires immediate medical attention.
How Yaz And Gallstones May Trigger Cholangitis
Cholangitis is defined by inflammation of the common bile duct. This is the tube through which bile flows into your small intestine. Bile is a fluid that is produced and secreted by your liver. It flows into your gallbladder where it is stored and concentrated. When fats enter your small intestine, a hormone called cholecystokinin is released. This hormone causes your gall bladder to contract, which pushes the concentrated bile into the common bile duct. The bile fluid flows into your duodenum and aids in the digestion and absorption of fats.
The hormones contained in Yaz birth control pills (estrogen and drospirenone) are believed to increase the amount of cholesterol secreted with the bile fluid. These hormones are also thought to reduce the contraction activity of the gallbladder. These two events contribute to the formation of Yaz gallstones.
Stones can migrate into the common bile duct and form a blockage. Meanwhile, several types of bacteria can enter the bile duct from the duodenum and ascend the tube. Your body can normally prevent the spread of bacteria through the biliary tract. However, biliary obstructions are believed to reduce the efficacy of the immune system, thus lowering your body’s antibacterial defenses. The bacteria spreads and causes infection, which climbs through the biliary tree. The infection triggers cholangitis.
The Danger Of Biliary Tract Infection
The bile duct becomes progressively inflamed as the infection climbs up the biliary tract, and eventually reaches your gall bladder and liver. At this point, acute cholangitis has developed. It presents many of the same symptoms as Yaz gallbladder disease, including upper right abdominal pain, fever, and nausea and vomiting.
If bacteria from the duodenum spreads far enough, it can enter your bloodstream and can cause sepsis. Though this is a rare byproduct of cholangitis, it is extremely dangerous and must be treated immediately. Otherwise, the bacteria can infect the kidneys, lungs, and even the central nervous system.
How Bile Duct Infection Is Treated
Doctors will immediately administer antibiotics to slow the spread of infection through the biliary tree and prevent bacteria from reaching your bloodstream. Once your condition has stabilized, the goal becomes to clear the blockage. As mentioned above, gallstones within the common bile duct cannot be addressed through gallbladder removal surgery. If the stones do not pass into the duodenum on their own, doctors will perform endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with sphincterotomy.
A thin, flexible instrument called an endoscope is inserted through the mouth and guided to the duodenum. The instrument is outfitted with a small light and camera. A catheter is passed through the scope to the common bile duct where a contrast dye is released to reveal the location of the stones. The doctor will try to remove the stones from the duct. Those that cannot be removed directly require endoscopic sphincterotomy.
Sphincterotomy is an incision made into the ampulla of Vater (where the bile duct empties into the duodenum). This incision widens the gap and allows for easier retrieval of bile duct stones. This two-pronged approach (i.e. ERCP with sphincterotomy) is successful for over 90 percent of cases involving cholangitis.
Yaz gallbladder problems that are caused by gallstones can be serious. But there are other dangerous conditions, including cholangitis, that can result from the stones. If you have suffered Yaz gallbladder disease, gallstones, or cholangitis after using this birth control pill, take the time to explore your legal rights. Contact an experienced Yaz lawsuit gallbladder lawyer to discuss your case.
Yaz And Gallstones: Potential Complications Of Gallstones And Bile Duct Stones
While Yaz birth control gallbladder disease gallstones are rarely symptomatic, they can become so unexpectedly. It is not uncommon for stones to remain dormant for several years before suddenly causing inflammation of the gallbladder. The danger is that women suffering from Yaz gallbladder disease symptoms can become exposed to many serious complications if the condition is left untreated.
Commonly-known symptoms related to Yaz gallstones include biliary colic, fever and nausea, and in severe cases, jaundice. The latter is caused when stones migrate from the gallbladder or cystic duct into the lower portion of the bile duct. The duct swells due to the blockage and bacteria eventually enters the bloodstream. This paves the way for systemic infection.
There are also several Yaz gallbladder injury problems that are less-widely known. All are dangerous and can lead to life-threatening circumstances. We’ll explore a few of them below.
Blockage Of Pancreatic Enzymes
As the common bile duct descends from the gallbladder, it joins with the pancreatic duct. Your pancreas secretes digestive enzymes that travel through this latter duct toward your small intestine. Stones that migrate to the lower portion of your bile duct can block the passage of these pancreatic enzymes. The result is gallstone pancreatitis.
This is a dangerous condition that can permanently damage your pancreas. Trapped within the blocked duct, the enzymes become active and begin digesting the organ. This causes acute inflammation and severe upper abdominal pain; the pain reaches its peak intensity within minutes.
Perforation Of The Gall Bladder
It is estimated that one in ten cases of gallbladder inflammation involves a perforation of the organ. The gall bladder essentially develops a hole. Like pancreatitis, this is a serious condition. The hole allows the organ’s contents to spill into the abdominal cavity, setting the stage for infection. It must be treated immediately.
If gallbladder inflammation due to gallstones is addressed quickly, the likelihood of suffering a perforation declines dramatically. It is most prevalent in those who wait too long before seeking medical attention. One of the dangers of this condition is that biliary pain often subsides when the gall bladder becomes perforated. This gives the impression that medical attention is unwarranted.
Cholangitis (Infection Of The Bile Duct)
When stones move into the common bile duct and form a blockage, the bile duct can become infected. This is usually due to bacteria that enters the lower portion of the duct from the duodenum (near the sphincter of Oddi) and climbs upward. This causes many of the same symptoms as Yaz gallbladder disease, including abdominal pain, fever, chills, nausea, and jaundice. But, the effects can extend much further.
The infection caused by bacteria can spread throughout the common bile duct. If it is not addressed, it will continue to spread to the gallbladder, liver, and other organs. When the infection enters your bloodstream, it will spread to the rest of your body. As such, acute cholangitis requires emergency medical attention or it can become life-threatening.
Polyps Within The Gallbladder
Polyps are masses of accumulated mucous that form within the gallbladder. They are usually benign, but can become malignant in certain circumstances. The root cause of these growths is not entirely understood. However, a connection has been made between their formation and the presence of gallstones within the gallbladder. Because large polyps pose a risk of cancer, they should be removed as soon as they are detected.
Gallstones can potentially trigger each of the medical events described above. Unfortunately, many women who are using this oral contraceptive remain unaware of these dangers. If you have suffered from stones, gallbladder disease, or other Yaz side effects, you may have the right to file a claim against Bayer HealthCare, the manufacturer. Contact a Yaz lawsuit gallbladder attorney to discuss your case.
Currently there has not been a Yaz lawsuit gallbladder settlement arising out of the current litigation. Women have suffered dangerous medical complications from Yaz birth control and gallstones. One of the risks associated with using this oral contraceptive is gallstone pancreatitis. This is a condition in which the pancreas become inflamed due to a blockage that prevents pancreatic enzymes from flowing into the small intestine. In severe cases, it is potentially life-threatening.
How Pancreatitis Develops
The common bile duct and pancreatic duct merge as both descend toward the duodenum. Secretions from the liver and pancreas, respectively, flow down these ducts to aid in the digestion of foods within the small intestine. Yaz gallstones that form within the gall bladder can migrate down the common bile duct to the sphincter of Oddi. There, they can block the passage of pancreatic secretions.
As digestive enzymes flow down the pancreatic duct, they are in an inactive state. In the event any of these enzymes suddenly become active, inhibitors within the fluid inactivate them. If the flow of pancreatic fluid becomes blocked for a prolonged period, the enzymes become active and overpower the inhibitors. They begin digesting the cells of the pancreas, which causes acute inflammation.
Treatment usually involves removing the offending stones through endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with sphincterotomy. If the condition is allowed to persist, however, it can lead to serious complications.
Pancreatic And Systemic Infection
Acute inflammation of your pancreas exposes the organ to bacteria. This problem is made worse as cells are digested by the activated enzymes. The bacteria may cause infection, which can spread to other areas of your body if it enters your bloodstream. Doctors who suspect portions of your pancreas are infected will typically remove the diseased tissue if antibiotics fail to control the infection.
Damage To Other Organs
As the obstructed enzymes continue to digest pancreatic cells, portions of the pancreas will sustain damage. This eventually leads to the enzymes gaining entry into your bloodstream. If this occurs, the problem will become systemic, and expose your kidneys, lungs, and other organs to damage.
Blood Loss Into The Abdominal Cavity
With severe cases of gallstone pancreatitis, the pancreas can become so damaged that portions begin to die. Depending on the extent of tissue death, this can allow blood and pancreatic secretions to seep into the abdominal cavity. As a result, your blood pressure will plummet, potentially causing your body to go into shock.
Growth And Rupture Of Pseudocysts
In some cases of acute pancreatitis, a cyst-like mass forms within the pancreas. This mass is composed of obstructed digestive enzymes, errant tissue, and other fluids secreted by the organ. It is called a pseudocyst. Once it has formed, it grows and causes your pancreas to expand, which triggers severe pain.
A pseudocyst within your pancreas is dangerous. If it becomes infected or ruptures, it can be fatal. For this reason, doctors consider it a medical priority and will use a catheter to drain the mass over several weeks.
Inadequate Digestion Of Food
As noted, acute pancreatitis caused by Yaz gallstones can progress to the point where significant portions of the pancreas become damaged or suffer tissue death. While emergency medical attention can address the underlying condition, the organ will be less capable of producing digestive enzymes in the future. In cases where large portions of the pancreas are damaged, this can lead to digestive challenges within the small intestine. Fewer enzymes will be available to help break down nutrients, possibly leading to mild malnutrition.
Yaz gallbladder side effects stemming from the formation of gallstones include inflammation of the gall bladder and infection throughout the biliary tree. These are serious issues that require medical attention. But stones can also trigger acute pancreatitis if they migrate far enough down the common bile duct. Emergency medical treatment is usually necessary.
If you or someone you know has suffered gallstones, gallbladder disease, pancreatitis, or other Yaz gallbladder symptoms, explore your legal rights. Contact one of our Yaz lawsuit gallbladder attorneys to discuss your case. There is never any cost to speak to us regarding your legal options.
Yaz Gallbladder Side Effects: Overview Of GallBladder Inflammation
One of the serious side effects of Yaz birth control is gallbladder disease. The condition is defined by sharp abdominal pain caused by the presence of gallstones or inflammation of the gall bladder. Often, the former causes the latter. Most women using this oral contraceptive are aware that it sharply raises the risk of blood clots, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, and other dangerous side effects. Unfortunately, many women remain unaware of their exposure to Yaz gallbladder disease.
Bile, Your Gallbladder, And Digestion
Bile is secreted by your liver to aid in the digestion of fats within your small intestine. It flows into your gallbladder, where it is stored and concentrated through the absorption of water into the organ’s wall. Fats that enter your small intestine stimulate contractions in your gallbladder. The contractions push bile fluid into the common bile duct. The bile flows through the ampulla of Vater into your duodenum where it helps to emulsify and digest fats.
As long as bile can flow unimpeded into your small intestine, problems will rarely occur. However, gallstones can interrupt this process and thereby, set the stage for Yaz gallbladder problems.
Yaz Gallstones In The Biliary Tract
Your biliary tract includes your bile ducts and your gall bladder. Stones that are present within any portion of this tract can cause bile to become trapped within your gallbladder. The bile fluid gradually thickens and turns into a substance called biliary sludge. Meanwhile, chemicals contained in the stagnant bile cause the organ to become inflamed. This is what triggers the abdominal pain characteristic of a gallbladder attack.
One of the side effects of Yaz birth control is an elevated level of cholesterol in the bile secreted from your liver. This contributes to the formation of stones. At normal levels, cholesterol is absorbed into the cell lining of your gall bladder’s wall. An elevated level cannot be sufficiently absorbed and thus, begins to crystallize into Yaz gallstones.
Sometimes, the stones remain in your gall bladder near its opening. Other times, they escape into your common bile duct. Both circumstances can prevent bile from exiting your gallbladder, which leads to inflammation. This is known as cholecystitis.
Acute Versus Chronic Cholecystitis
There are two types of cholecystitis: acute and chronic. Both are usually caused by gallstones that become lodged in the opening of the gallbladder or within the bile ducts. Acute cholecystitis is accompanied by the sudden onset of pain within your abdomen. The pain is due to inflammation caused by chemicals within the bile that remains trapped within your gallbladder. The organ may start to fill with fluid as the walls begin to thicken. It is also worth noting that infection often follows inflammation (though not in all cases).
Chronic cholecystitis is defined by repeated gallbladder attacks, which can trigger intense abdominal pain, fever, and vomiting. The successive attacks eventually begin to damage the organ, creating scarring and thickening. Even though the symptoms subside, there is a high likelihood of recurrence unless the Yaz gallstones are somehow passed into the small intestine.
Both acute and chronic cholecystitis are usually addressed by surgically removing your gall bladder. While the operation is common, it is not without potential problems.
The Problems With Yaz Gallbladder Removal Surgery
One of the most serious complications of gallbladder removal surgery is injury to the bile ducts; the ducts might suffer tears during the procedure. If that happens, bile fluid can seep into your abdominal cavity and cause infection. If the infection is not addressed (which must be done surgically), it can become life-threatening.
Another problem is that removing your gallbladder prevents bile from being concentrated before it arrives in your small intestine. Bile will continue to trickle from your liver into your duodenum. However, because it is not concentrated, it may be less able to efficiently digest fats.
Yaz gallbladder problems have affected otherwise healthy women who have never experienced such issues in the past. Those who have suffered abdominal pain and other symptoms are often forced to have the organ surgically removed. If you have suffered gallbladder disease or gallstones after using this birth control pill, you may be due compensation for your injuries. Contact a Yaz gallbladder side effects lawyer to discuss your case.
Yaz And Gallstones: Pigment Versus Cholesterol Gallstones
Yaz gallbladder injury involving gallstones form due to several contributing factors, including the motility of the gallbladder and the substances contained within the bile fluid. Bile is secreted by your liver. It contains water, cholesterol, bilirubin, and bile salts. The fluid is stored in your gallbladder until it is needed for the digestion of fats within your small intestine.
When food enters your small intestine, a hormone called cholecystokinin is released. This hormone causes your gall bladder to contract, pushing the bile fluid into the common bile duct. The fluid flows through the ducts and into your duodenum (the top portion of your small intestine) where it aids in the digestion and absorption of fats.
Stones can develop within your gallbladder and cause an obstruction that prevents bile from exiting. This can lead to inflammation and biliary colic. Below, you’ll learn about two types of stones: pigment and cholesterol stones (Yaz gallbladder problems are caused by the latter). We’ll explore how both types form and the side effects they can trigger.
Pigment Gallstones
Pigment stones develop as the result of excess levels of bilirubin in the bile fluid. Bilirubin is found in your bloodstream in an insoluble, unconjugated state. It arrives at your liver where it is conjugated and made soluble (i.e. can be dissolved). This occurs as red blood cells are broken down through a process known as hemolysis.
These type of gallstones represent between 10% and 20% of all diagnosed cases. They can migrate from the gallbladder into the common bile duct, and have been known to cause infection.
Cholesterol Gallstones
As implied earlier, Yaz gallstones are cholesterol-based. They form when the level of cholesterol secreted by your liver rises. Under normal circumstances, approximately 5 percent of bile fluid is comprised of cholesterol. This portion is usually dissolved and absorbed while the bile remains within the gall bladder.
When the level of cholesterol rises, oversaturation occurs. The substance cannot be sufficiently dissolved and absorbed. Instead, it undergoes a process called supersaturation during which small cholesterol particles clump together and form stones. These too, can migrate from your gallbladder into your common bile duct.
Some people think that the hormones in Yaz birth control (i.e. estrogen and drospirenone) may elevate the level of cholesterol secreted by the liver. These hormones have also been linked to a reduced motility of the gallbladder. The organ contracts less frequently, which prevents it from emptying its contents into the bile duct. These two factors form the underlying connection between Yaz gallbladder disease symptoms.
Problems Caused By Yaz Gallstones
Only a small percentage of stones present symptoms. When they become symptomatic, they cause pain in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen. Nausea and vomiting are also common. These symptoms are often severe enough to require hospitalization. If they are left untreated, Yaz gallstones can potentially cause far worse complications.
People who wait too long before seeking treatment for symptomatic stones risk perforation of their gallbladder, formation of fistulas, and gallstone pancreatitis. Moreover, if the stones move into the common bile duct, they can set the stage for infection. If infection spreads, it can become life-threatening (though such circumstances are rare).
Seeking Treatment Yaz Gallstones
The most common form of treatment for gallstones caused by Yaz is to surgically remove the gallbladder. The procedure is called laparoscopic cholecystectomy (or, “lap choly”). If scarring or infection exists, open abdominal surgery is necessary.
Cholecystectomy can address stones that remain within the gall bladder. However, if stones migrate into the common bile duct, they must be addressed through ERCP and endoscopic sphincterotomy. Both procedures are performed by using an endoscope. The instrument is inserted down the throat and threaded to the bile duct.
Gallstones have caused a Yaz gallbladder injury for many healthy women who have never shown signs of such issues. Once the stones present symptoms, surgery to remove the gall bladder becomes a forgone conclusion. If you have suffered from gallstones, gallbladder inflammation, or other Yaz side effects, take the time to explore your legal rights. Contact a Yaz gallbladder settlement lawyer to discuss your case.
Diagnosing Yaz Gallbladder Disease Side Effects
Perhaps you’ve experienced pain in your upper abdomen several hours after eating a heavy meal. Perhaps you’ve had nausea or vomiting, but didn’t know the cause. Maybe you’ve even had chills, fever and sharp pains in your abdomen lasting for hours. Please contact us for the latest Yaz class action lawsuit gallbladder news.
If you’ve had any of these symptoms, you should check with your doctor, but you might be surprised to know that these symptoms could indicate problems with your gallbladder.
The gallbladder is a small, pear shaped organ that stores bile until it is needed in the small intestine to digest fat.
Occasionally, hard substances made of cholesterol can build up in the gallbladder, creating gallstones. While they may not cause any symptoms, they may also cause extreme discomfort in a gallbladder attack. If the gallstones block the pathways, or ducts, to the liver or small intestine, the gallbladder can become inflamed and infected, leading to gallbladder disease.
Because the symptoms of gallbladder stones and disease can often be similar to other conditions such as heart attack, pancreatitis and appendicitis, your doctor will perform certain tests to make the diagnosis. Some women using Yaz birth control have experienced problems with gallstones resulting in Yaz gallbladder disease side effects.
The most common test is the transabdominal ultrasound. An ultrasound technician will use put a small amount of gel on the your abdomen and rub a handheld device called a transducer across the area. Sound waves from the transducer will harmlessly and painlessly go through the skin and to the internal organs. The waves create echoes that are then bounced back to the transducer, allowing it to create a picture of the organs and transmit that to a monitor. This is often the preferred first test because it is easy to do, accurate and noninvasive. However, this type of ultrasound does not identify small gallstones less than 4 millimeters and it cannot identify gallstones blocking ducts.
Another type of ultrasound, the endoscopic ultrasound, can identify smaller gallstones and those in the ducts. For this procedure, you will be sedated and swallow a long flexible tube called an endoscope, which has an ultrasound transducer. The endoscope goes to the small intestine and records images. Because it is closer to the gallbladder area, it can provide a more accurate analysis. The procedure is more expensive than the transabdominal ultrasound and carries some risk of complications from sedation and the insertion of the endoscope.
Several other tests may be done in order to diagnose gallbladder stones or disease, including one that uses magnetic resonance imaging to view the gallbladder (magnetic resonance cholangio-pancreatography or MRCP), a cholescintigraphy test, where harmless radioactive material is inserted and tracked for blockage as it passes through the liver and gallbladder, and blood tests that check for enzymes which could indicate inflammation.
Please contact us if you or a family member has suffered from Yaz gallbladder disease symptoms. We are currently filing Yaz lawsuit gallbladder claims throughout the United States. For the latest information on a Yaz gallbladder settlement call or e-mail us and we will explain your legal rights at no cost or obligation.
Yaz Gallbladder Disease: Alternative Treatments To Cholecystectomy
Women who suffer from symptomatic Yaz gallbladder disease are usually encouraged to have the organ surgically removed. The procedure is called cholecystectomy. While it is usually performed laparoscopically (a minimally invasive approach), scarring and infection preclude laparoscopy as an option. In such cases, open abdominal surgery is necessary.
For many patients, Yaz gallbladder removal surgery is too risky. This may be due to the patient being severely ill or suffering another health condition, such as a heart ailment or kidney disorder. In these cases, an alternative approach must be used. Below, we’ll briefly explore several forms of treatment that can be performed as substitutes for cholecystectomy.
Nonsurgical Treatment Of Yaz Gallstones
Nearly all cases of gallbladder disease are caused by gallstones. The stones form as the result of excess cholesterol within the bile fluid combined with a reduction in the gallbladder’s contractions. The bile sits within the organ and stagnates. Eventually, it causes inflammation. Meanwhile, the excess cholesterol begins to accumulate and form stones, which can block the opening of the gallbladder and prevent bile from leaving.
If surgery is not an option, dissolution therapy can be used to address Yaz gallstones. Oral dissolution therapy is administered in pill form through medications, such as ursodiol and chenodiol. Both are bile acids that can dissolve small cholesterol-based stones over a couple of years. The drawback is that it is expensive and recurring episodes of stones are likely.
Contact dissolution therapy is administered through injection. A medication called methyl tert butyl ether (MTBE) is injected directly into the gall bladder to dissolve existing stones. It takes effect more quickly than ursodiol or chenodiol (i.e. within a few days), but can be potentially toxic and cause significant pain.
Percutaneous Cholecystostomy
For patients who need to have their gallbladders removed, but cannot tolerate a conventional cholecystectomy in the short term, percutaneous cholecystostomy can be performed. A catheter is inserted into the organ to drain the fluid. It is usually left in place until the patient is healthy enough to undergo laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Gallbladder Aspiration
Gallbladder aspiration is similar to percutaneous cholecystostomy. Here too, the doctor will insert a catheter into your gall bladder to drain the organ. Ultrasound is used to examine the organ while it is being drained. The difference is that rather than leaving the catheter in place, it is removed once drainage has been completed. This approach is often reserved for cases in which the gallbladder has become swollen.
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)
As the name implies, this approach uses shock waves to shatter the gallstones. The waves are delivered through the abdominal wall. They penetrate the tissues and reach stones that are present within the bile duct. The stones are broken apart and allowed to pass through the bile duct into the small intestine.
This technique is seldom used. It often causes severe pain and can leave fragments of gallstones within the bile duct. The latter circumstance can lead to further problems, including recurrence of biliary colic and pancreatitis.
Less Common Procedures
In some cases, a procedure called mini-laparotomy cholecystostomy might be performed prior to laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This is often done for patients who are elderly or severely ill. A few small incisions are made into the abdomen through which surgical tools are inserted to drain fluid from the gallbladder. Doing so can make removing the organ easier and quicker.
A relatively new procedure is called natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES). Rather than accessing and removing the gallbladder through abdominal incisions, the surgeon inserts an endoscope through a natural orifice (e.g. vagina, anus, etc.). The method is used in very few hospitals and is still considered experimental.
Yaz gallbladder disease symptoms have afflicted women who have never shown signs of such problems prior to using this oral contraceptive. Yaz gallbladder removal surgery is the most common form of treatment. While there are many alternatives to cholecystectomy, each poses potential complications, including a high rate of recurrence of stones and significant pain. If you have suffered gallstones or related gallbladder problems, you may have the right to file a claim against the manufacturer. Contact an experienced Yaz gallbladder attorney who can investigate your case.
