Yaz Lawsuit Attorney

by admin on August 18th, 2010

There are many serious medical problems associated with Ocella,Yasmin and Yaz birth control involving gallstones, including gallbladder infection, perforations, and even acute pancreatitis. If you have suffered from gallbladder problems please contact us for a free consultation from a Yaz lawsuit attorney. We are currently representing women throughout the United States that have suffered from gallbladder removal complications. Stones can also cause a condition known as cholangitis, which defines an infection of the biliary tree. It usually begins in the common bile duct, and spreads upward toward the liver and other organs. It is considered a medical emergency because it has the potential to cause the patient’s death.

Cholangitis occurs as the result of a blockage in the bile duct. Such blockages can be due to strictures, tumors, or Yaz gallstones. Below, you’ll learn how the latter case happens as well as the dangers of leaving biliary infection untreated.

How Yaz And Gallstones Can Lead To Cholangitis

While any type of bile duct blockage can cause acute cholangitis, most diagnosed cases can be traced to gallstones. Stones normally form within the gallbladder, and remain there without triggering symptoms. These are known as “silent” stones; many women have them, yet are unaware they exist. Depending on their placement within the gallbladder and the organ’s motility (e.g. contractions), gallstones can migrate into the common bile duct.

If the stones are very small, they might pass through the duct into the small intestine, and eventually exit the body. Larger stones, however, can become lodged within the duct, and prevent bile from passing. This sets the stage for bacterial infection.

Bacteria is usually present throughout the biliary tract. Despite this, heavy colonization rarely occurs as long as bile fluid flows unimpeded through the common bile duct. The spread of bacteria is kept in check by your body’s immune system and natural antibacterial measures. An obstruction in the bile duct, however, is believed to impair both. When this happens, bacteria gains a foothold in the duct and small intestine.

Bacteria in the duodenum (upper portion of the small intestine) gains access to the lower portion of the bile duct, and ascends. Because your body’s ability to control its spread is impaired, heavy colonization occurs throughout the duct. Eventually, infection develops.

How Serious Is A Bile Duct Infection?

Initial symptoms are similar to those which present in cases of gallbladder disease. You may experience a sharp pain in your upper abdomen, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills. Jaundice, too, is common. The problem is worse than these symptoms suggest. Biliary infection can be fatal if it is left unresolved.

As infection spreads upward in the bile duct, it poses a serious danger to the liver. Pressure within the duct increases, and pushes the infection into the hepatic ducts. Once it reaches your liver, it can causes abscesses to form. Prolonged exposure can lead to permanent scarring (a condition known as cirrhosis).

If bacteria gains access to your bloodstream, infection may spread to other areas of your body. This exposes other organs, such as your kidneys and heart, to damage. Advanced cases of acute cholangitis can lead to sepsis as bacteria overwhelms the blood. Eventually, septic shock occurs; the mortality rate in such cases is very high.

Treating The Infection And Clearing The Blockage

Most people respond to intravenous delivery of antibiotics. However, in many cases, the pressure within the biliary tree prevents sufficient secretion of the antibiotics from the liver. Endoscopic drainage is necessary to relieve the pressure.

After the biliary infection has been treated and brought under control, Yaz gallbladder side effects caused by gallstones present within the bile duct must be removed. The most effective method for retrieving the stones is with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) combined with endoscopic sphincterotomy. An endoscope is advanced down the throat and toward the sphincter of Oddi, the valve that separates the duodenum and the common bile duct. The location of the obstructing stones is identified, and the stones are withdrawn.

Many women are unaware they are exposed to dangerous medical conditions as the result of gallstones. If you have suffered from gallstones, gallbladder disease, or other side effects of Yasmin, Ocella and Yaz birth control, you may be able to file a claim for compensation. Contact an experienced Yaz attorney to discuss your options including the latest Yaz lawsuit settlements news.