Condition
Gallstones: What Is It?
Gallbladder is an organ found just below the liver. Sometimes, tiny crystal-like structures are formed in the Gallbladder. These are called gallstones.
Gallstones : Causes
There are various reasons behind the formation of gallstones in the gallbladder. These include excess cholesterol or bilirubin in the bile juice stored in the gallbladder. Sometimes, the gallbladder may not empty the bile properly. The bile gets concentrated and results in the formation of gallstones.
Who is at Risk?
Risks
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Enhanced Quality of Care
End-to-End Management
Continuous Guidance
Lower Costs and easy financing support
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Symptoms of Gallstones
Gallstones may not cause any signs or symptoms. When a gallstone blocks the bile duct, it can result in the following signs: - Sudden and severe pain in the upper right side of the abdomen - Sudden and severe pain in the center of the abdomen, just below the breastbone - Pain in the back between the shoulder blades - Pain in the right shoulder - Nausea or vomiting The pain due to gallstones may last several minutes to a few hours.
How to Diagnose Gallstones?
The diagnosis of gallstones is made with the help of specific tests and procedures. The two most common tests include: Abdominal ultrasound: The most common test for identifying gallstones is the abdominal ultrasound. The stomach region is probed with a transducer that is moved back and forth. Images of gallstones are produced from the signals received by a computer. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS): An endoscope, a small, flexible tube, enters the digestive tract through the mouth. A transducer present in the tube produces sound waves. These are converted into images. Blood tests: Apart from imaging, blood tests can help detect complications of gallstones, including infection, gallstone pancreatitis, jaundice, etc. There are a few other tests by which gallstones are detected, such as using imaging tests: - Oral Cholecystography, - Computerised Tomography (CT), - Hepatobiliary Iminodiacetic Acid (HIDA) scan and - Magnetic Resonance Cholangio Pancreatography (MRCP). - Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio Pancreatography (ERCP)
What Is the Treatment for Gallstones?
Gallbladder Removal (Cholecystectomy): If gallstones persistently recur, your healthcare provider might advise cholecystectomy, a surgical procedure to remove the gallbladder. It's important to note that living without a gallbladder is feasible as it doesn't impact overall survival. Instead of storing bile, the liver releases it directly into the small intestine. Medications for Gallstone Dissolution: Specific medications are available to facilitate the dissolution of gallstones. However, this process may extend over months or even years. It's important to be aware that gallstones could reappear once the treatment is discontinued.
When Will The Doctor Suggest Surgery?
The doctor will recommend gallstone or gallbladder surgery when the gallbladder is severely swollen or infected. Two types of surgeries are commonly performed. These are laparoscopic surgery (laparoscopic cholecystectomy) and open surgery (open cholecystectomy).
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Frequently Asked Questions
In Gurgaon, the cost of open-surgery and laparoscopic surgery for gallstones might range from Rs. 75,000 to Rs. 1,50,000.
At MediBuddy in Gurgaon, open and laparoscopic surgery is done. Depending on the grade or severity of the gallstones, your doctor will advise the appropriate surgical procedure.
Gastroenterologists and general surgeons who specialise in gastrointestinal surgery undertake gallstone surgery.
Shock wave treatment or oral medications can be used to treat specific types of gallstones. However, the gall bladder must be surgically removed to address serious problems.
Yes, you can. MediBuddy offers free consultations with specialist doctors in Gurgaon.
At MediBuddy, there is a phenomenal 100% success rate of gallstone treatments.
The hospital stay for gallstone or gallbladder surgery ranges from 1 day to 3 days. Complete recovery takes about 1 week.
