Condition
Gallstones: What Is It?
Gallbladder is an organ situated below the liver. The formation of tiny crystal-like structures in the gallbladder called gallstones. The role of gallbladder is to store bile juices secreted by the liver. These juices help in digesting the food and fats.
Gallstones : Causes
Many reasons lead to the formation of gallstones in the gallbladder. These include excess cholesterol or bilirubin in the bile juice stored in the gallbladder.
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 gallstone disease or gallbladder stones is made with the help of specific tests and procedures. The two most common tests include: Abdominal ultrasound: The most common test to detect gallstone disease is the abdominal ultrasound. A transducer probes the stomach region, moving back and forth and producing signals. These signals are converted into images of gallstones by the computer. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS): A small, flexible tube called an endoscope is passed into the digestive tract through the mouth. A transducer present in the tube produces sound waves. These are converted into images. Other tests: Gallstones are also detected using other imaging tests such as Oral Cholecystography, Magnetic Resonance Cholangio Pancreatography (MRCP), Computerized Tomography (CT), and Hepatobiliary Iminodiacetic Acid (HIDA) scan. Gallstones detected using Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio Pancreatography (ERCP) can also be removed during the assessment. Blood tests: Some blood tests can also be done to detect the complications of gallstones, including infection, gallstone pancreatitis, jaundice, etc.
What Is the Treatment for Gallstones?
The management of gallstones depends on their size, symptoms, and potential complications. Treatment options include: Watchful Waiting: If gallstones are small and asymptomatic, a "wait and see" approach might be recommended, focusing on managing risk factors through lifestyle changes. Medications: Certain medications can be prescribed to dissolve cholesterol gallstones over time. However, this process can be slow and may not be effective for everyone. Surgery - Cholecystectomy: The most common treatment for symptomatic gallstones is surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy). This can be done through traditional open surgery or minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery. Endoscopic Procedures: In some cases, endoscopic techniques such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) can be used to remove stones from the bile ducts. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): This non-invasive procedure uses shock waves to break gallstones into smaller fragments that can be passed naturally or treated with other methods.
When Will The Doctor Suggest Surgery?
Your doctor may recommend gallstone or gallbladder surgery when the gallbladder is severely swollen or infected. Two types of surgeries are commonly performed i.e., a laparoscopic surgery (laparoscopic cholecystectomy) or an open surgery (open cholecystectomy).
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Frequently Asked Questions
In Kolkata, open-surgery and laparoscopic gallstone surgery may cost between Rs. 75,000 and Rs. 1,50,000.
MediBuddy in Kolkata facilitates patients with open and laparoscopic surgery. The doctor may recommend the most suitable type of surgery depending on the grade or severity of the gallstones.
Gastroenterologists and general surgeons specialising in gastrointestinal surgery undertake gallstone surgery.
Oral medications and shock wave treatment are used to treat specific types of gallstones. However, gallbladder surgery is recommended when the condition is very serious.
Yes, you can. MediBuddy offers a free consultation with specialist doctors in Kolkata.
At MediBuddy, there is a phenomenal 100% success rate of gallstone treatments.
The patient may have to stay in the hospital for around 3 days after the surgery. Complete recovery may take around a week.
