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Advanced Treatment for Gallstones
Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid that can form in your gallbladder. Your gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ on the right side of your abdomen, just beneath your liver.
99%
Success Rate
45-60 minutes
Procedure
1-2 weeks
Recovery
Free
Consultation
Did You Know?
Your liver continues to produce bile even after the gallbladder is removed, so digestion remains largely unaffected in the long term.
Common Symptoms
- Sudden and rapidly intensifying pain in the upper right portion of your abdomen
- Sudden and rapidly intensifying pain in the center of your abdomen
- Back pain between your shoulder blades
- Pain in your right shoulder
- Nausea or vomiting
Major Causes
- Your bile contains too much cholesterol
- Your bile contains too much bilirubin
- Your gallbladder doesn't empty correctly
How is Gallstones Diagnosed?
Abdominal ultrasound — the first-line, non-invasive test with high accuracy for detecting gallstones.
HIDA scan (hepatobiliary scintigraphy) to assess gallbladder function and bile duct obstruction.
MRCP (Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography) for detailed bile duct imaging, especially if stones are suspected in the ducts.
Blood tests including liver function tests (LFTs), bilirubin, and pancreatic enzymes to evaluate complications.
Types of Gallstones Treatment
Cholesterol Stones
The most common type, accounting for 80% of gallstones, formed from excess cholesterol in bile.
Pigment Stones
Composed of bilirubin; typically associated with liver disease, hemolytic anemia, or biliary infections.
Mixed Stones
Contain varying combinations of cholesterol, bile salts, and calcium; often linked to inflammation.
How the Procedure Works
Pre-operative investigations including ultrasound, LFTs, and complete blood count are performed.
General anesthesia is administered, and the patient is positioned appropriately on the operating table.
Three to four small keyhole incisions (5-10mm) are made in the abdomen for trocar insertion.
Carbon dioxide gas is insufflated to create a working space, and a laparoscope with a camera is inserted.
The gallbladder is carefully dissected from the liver bed, clipped, and removed through one of the small incisions.
The surgical site is inspected for bleeding, the gas is evacuated, and the tiny incisions are closed with absorbable sutures.
Traditional vs Modern Treatment
| Traditional Surgery | Modern (Laser/Laparoscopic) |
|---|---|
| Open cholecystectomy required a large 6-8 inch incision, causing significant pain and scarring. | Laparoscopic surgery uses 3-4 tiny incisions (5-10mm), leaving minimal visible scars. |
| Hospital stay of 5-7 days with prolonged recovery of 4-6 weeks. | Patients are typically discharged within 24 hours and return to normal activities within 1-2 weeks. |
| Higher risk of wound infection, hernias, and post-operative complications. | Significantly reduced infection risk, faster healing, and fewer complications. |
| Long-term dietary restrictions and digestive issues post-surgery. | Most patients adapt quickly and can enjoy a normal diet within weeks. |
When to See a Doctor
Consult a specialist immediately if you experience:
- Sudden, intense pain in the upper right abdomen lasting for hours.
- Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice), indicating bile duct obstruction.
- High fever with chills, nausea, and vomiting, which may signal acute cholecystitis or infection.
- Severe upper abdominal pain radiating to the back, which could indicate pancreatitis.
Post-Operative Care Instructions
Start with a light, low-fat diet initially; gradually reintroduce normal foods as tolerated within 2-3 weeks.
Avoid lifting heavy objects or strenuous exercise for 2 weeks post-surgery.
Keep incision sites clean and dry; report any signs of redness, swelling, or discharge immediately.
Take prescribed pain medications and antibiotics as directed.
Attend follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and address any digestive adjustments.
Frequently Asked Questions about Gallstones
Is life normal after gallbladder removal?
Yes, you can live a perfectly normal life without a gallbladder. The liver will continue to produce bile to digest food.
Do I need to follow a special diet?
Initially, you might need to avoid very fatty foods, but most people return to a normal diet within a few weeks.