Gallstones
Gallstones can cause intense abdominal pain, nausea, and digestive issues. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy removes the gallbladder with minimal scarring and a quick recovery.
Overview
Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid that form in the gallbladder, a small pear-shaped organ beneath the liver. They can range from grain-sized to golf-ball-sized. While some people with gallstones have no symptoms, others experience severe pain (biliary colic) when stones block the bile duct.
The definitive treatment for symptomatic gallstones is cholecystectomy — removal of the gallbladder. Since the gallbladder isn't essential for digestion, the body adapts quickly. Laparoscopic removal is the preferred approach, with most patients going home the same day.
Causes
- High cholesterol in bile
- Excess bilirubin from liver disease or blood disorders
- Poor gallbladder emptying (biliary stasis)
- Obesity or rapid weight loss
- High-fat, low-fibre diet
- Family history of gallstones
Symptoms
- Sudden, intense pain in the upper right abdomen (biliary colic)
- Pain radiating to the right shoulder or back
- Nausea and vomiting
- Indigestion and bloating after fatty meals
- Jaundice if a stone blocks the common bile duct
Diagnosis
- Abdominal ultrasound — primary imaging to detect stones
- Blood tests — checks liver function and signs of infection
- CT scan or MRCP — detailed bile duct imaging for complex cases
- HIDA scan — evaluates gallbladder function
Treatment Options
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Complete gallbladder removal via 3-4 small incisions. Same-day or 24-hour discharge.
ERCP
Endoscopic removal of stones lodged in the bile duct before or instead of surgery.
Medication
Oral bile acid pills to dissolve small cholesterol stones — slow and often incomplete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I live normally without a gallbladder?
Yes. Your liver still produces bile, which drips directly into the intestine. Most people eat normally without dietary restrictions after recovery.
Will removing my gallbladder affect my weight?
No significant effect on weight. Some people experience temporary diarrhoea as the body adjusts, but this typically resolves within weeks.
Ready to Discuss Your Treatment?
Our gallstones specialists in Kondapur are here to help. Most consultations available within 24 hours.