Yaz Lawsuit Gallbladder Settlement

by Steve Fields on May 15th, 2010

Currently there has not been a Yaz lawsuit gallbladder settlement arising out of the current litigation. Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella causing gallstones have caused otherwise healthy women to experience serious problems with their gallbladders. Because doctors prescribe Yaz birth control as a form of treatment for mild acne, premenstrual syndrome, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder, millions of women may be exposed. Below, we’ll address some of the most common questions women have regarding the Yaz gallbladder side effects.

What Causes Gallstones?

Yaz contains two hormones: estrogen and an artificial progestin called drospirenone. These hormones may contribute to the formation of stones in two ways. First, they cause your liver to secrete a higher-than-normal volume of cholesterol. Second, they may cause a reduction in the frequency and force of your gall bladder’s contractions.

Cholesterol travels to your gallbladder while contained within bile salts. The compound is normally absorbed into the organ’s lining. When the volume rises, however, it cannot be absorbed completely. It eventually crystallizes and the particles clump together to form stones.

The reduction in the organ’s contraction activity worsens this situation. Instead of being pushed into the common bile duct, bile is allowed to remain within the gallbladder. It clumps together with calcium deposits, cholesterol, and other materials to form biliary sludge. This sludge can develop into stones.

What Are The Most Common Symptoms?

In most cases, gallstones are asymptomatic. It’s possible to have them for years without realizing it. But they can become symptomatic at any time, causing inflammation of your gall bladder. When this occurs, the stones cause sharp pain in the upper abdominal region. This pain escalates quickly, reaching its peak intensity within twenty minutes. It can last for several hours.

Depending on the severity of the inflammation, you might experience nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills. In extreme cases, the condition may be accompanied by jaundice.

Where Are Yaz Gallstones Located?

When stones form, they usually do so within the gall bladder. They might remain in the organ and block the opening, or migrate outside through the cystic duct. In cases where they leave the gallbladder, they often travel downward through the common bile duct.

Bile duct stones can block the passage of bile fluid as it flows from the gall bladder to the small intestine. Occasionally, stones will migrate further down the duct toward the sphincter of Oddi. This is the valve that opens into the duodenum (i.e. top section of the small intestine).

Are Problems Limited To The Gallbladder?

Gallstones can affect other organs. For example, bile duct stones that migrate toward the sphincter of Oddi can block digestive enzymes secreted by the pancreas. This causes the pancreas to become inflamed, a condition known as pancreatitis.

Stones that lodge within the common bile duct can cause bile to back up into the liver. When this occurs, bacteria climbs upward through the biliary tree from the duodenum. If the blockage persists, infection sets in. This can eventually cause liver damage and kidney failure.

How Are Stones Treated?

Gallstones and Yaz gallbladder disease symptoms are usually treated with surgery. A procedure called cholecystectomy is performed to remove the organ. This procedure is done laparoscopically or through open surgery, depending on whether scar tissue and infection are present.

If the patient is unable to tolerate surgery, she is given medications that are designed to dissolve the stones. This is called dissolution therapy. The drawback of this form of treatment is that there is a high rate of recurrence.

Are There Risks To Yaz Gallbladder Removal Surgery?

The most significant risk of cholecystectomy is bile duct damage. The surgeon may accidentally tear the duct during the procedure, allowing bile fluid to spill into the abdominal cavity. This allows infection to set in. If it is left unresolved, it can become systemic, a potentially life-threatening circumstance.

Yaz gallbladder problems are almost always caused by gallstones. If you have suffered stones or gallbladder disease after using this oral contraceptive, learn about your legal rights. You may be due compensation for your injuries. Contact a Yaz lawsuit gallbladder lawyer to discuss your case.