Hepatic colic is characterized by pain in the abdomen, a consequence of the formation of gallstones.

Hepatic colic is characterized by obstruction of the bile ducts as a result of the formation of gallstones. These can be compared to small “stones” of cholesterol and form in the gallbladder.

In the majority of cases, the formation of gallstones does not cause any symptoms. In other cases, they can get stuck in the duct located inside the gallbladder, and cause intense pain lasting between 1 and 5 hours. These pains are then at the origin of hepatic colic.

The formation of gallstones is the result of an imbalance in the chemical composition of the bead, circulating inside the gallbladder. In most cases, the level of bad cholesterol in the bile becomes too high. This excess of cholesterol then leads to the formation of such “stones”.

Gallstones are relatively common. But only a minority of patients develop symptoms.

Some factors cause an increased risk of hepatic colic:

• overweight or obesity
• women are also more prone to develop such a condition
• people over 40 years old.

Anyone can be affected by the development of hepatic colic.

In addition, some people are more at risk than others:

• women, having had a child
• people over 40 (risk increases with age)
• people who are overweight or obese.

In the majority of cases of hepatic colic, no symptoms are felt. However, obstruction of the bile ducts (by the formation of stones) can cause characteristic clinical signs and mainly sudden, intense and radiating pain in the abdomen.

Other symptoms can be added to it:

• a feverish state
• persistent pain
• increased heart rate (arrhythmia)
• jaundice
• itches
• diarrhea
• a state of confusion
• loss of appetite.

Some patients may develop complications, such as inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis). Resulting in persistent pain, jaundice and feverishness. The evolution of the symptoms of hepatic colic relates to vesicular disorders or even cholelithiasis.

The treatment associated with hepatic colic depends on the symptoms developed by the patient.

The management is carried out when the patient feels the associated symptoms and consults his doctor. Drug treatment will then be prescribed in the context of the development of cirrhosis (liver damage), high blood pressure or the presence of diabetes. But also when the patient has too high a calcium level in the gallbladder, which can lead to cancer.

The frequency of pain will determine the treatment that will be prescribed. In most cases, pain relievers are helpful in reducing the pain. A healthy and balanced diet also helps limit symptoms.

For more severe symptoms, surgery is also possible.