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.