Gallbladder Stones
Gallstones are small or large, single or multiple stones that form in the gallbladder and consists primarily of aggregates cholesterol and bile salts that are secreted by the liver in the bile. It is uncertain why some people form gallstones but risk factors include being female, prior pregnancy, age around 40 years and being overweight. Some people may have a family history of gallstones.
These stones may block the flow of bile out of the gallbladder, causing it to swell and resulting in sharp abdominal pain, vomiting, indigestion and occasionally fever. If the gallstone blocks the common bile duct, jaundice (a yellowing of the skin) can occur.
What causes gallstones?
Gallstones are formed when cholesterol, calcium and other substances get mixed and form stone like structures in the gall bladder. These stones are responsible for causing stomach ache, indigestion, back pain, etc. Gall bladder is capable of storing fluids. So, as these solid stones get lodged in the bladder, the organ's functioning is interrupted, resulting in several health issues.
Symptoms of gallstones are stated below:
- Pain in the abdomen
- Tension in the digestive system after intake of excess proteins and fats
- Severe pain in the right side of the upper abdomen
- Pain in shoulders, especially on the right side.
Treatment
Gallstones do not go away on their own and there are no known means to prevent gallstones. Although some symptoms can be temporarily managed by making dietary adjustments, this treatment has a low, short-term success rate. Symptoms will eventually continue unless the gallbladder is removed. Treatments to break up or dissolve gallstones are largely unsuccessful.
Surgical removal of the gallbladder Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy is now a time-honoured and safest treatment for gallstone disease.
What are the Advantages of Performing Laparoscopic Gallbladder Removal?
- Patients usually have minimal post-operative pain.
- Patients usually experience a faster recovery than open surgery
- Most patients go home the same day of the surgery
About Author
Dr. Nikhil Agrawal
MS, MCh
Dr. Nikhil Agrawal is a leading GI-HPB Surgical Oncologist with 20+ years of experience in complex cancers of the esophagus, stomach, colon, rectum, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and bile ducts. He leads the GI-HPB Oncology Program at Apollo Hospitals, Delhi and Gurugram, with expertise in advanced robotic and laparoscopic cancer surgery.
His practice focuses on evidence-based, multidisciplinary care with an emphasis on individualized treatment and long-term outcomes.
He trained at BHU, SGPGI Lucknow, AIIMS New Delhi, and SNUBH, South Korea, and is a robotic surgery proctor who trains surgeons in advanced GI-HPB cancer surgery. He is also regularly invited as faculty at national and international scientific meetings.
This website helps patients and families understand GI and HPB diseases and cancers, treatment options, and what to expect during recovery and long-term care.