Gallbladder Stones Treatment in Delhi
Expert Diagnosis & Surgical Treatment for Gallstones
Gallbladder stones, also called gallstones, are hardened deposits that form inside the gallbladder. They may remain silent in some people, while others can develop severe abdominal pain, vomiting, infection, jaundice, or complications involving the bile ducts and pancreas.
When gallstones cause recurrent symptoms or complications, gallbladder removal surgery (cholecystectomy) may be recommended.
Dr. Sri Aurobindo Prasad Das, specialist in Surgical Gastroenterology and Liver Transplantation, provides evaluation and personalized treatment planning for patients with gallstones and gallbladder-related conditions.
Get Your Gallstone Problem Evaluated
What Are Gallbladder Stones?
The gallbladder is a small organ located beneath the liver. It stores bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver.
Gallstones form when substances in bile, such as cholesterol or bilirubin, become concentrated and form solid particles.
Gallstones can vary in:
- Size
- Number
- Composition
- Location
Some people have gallstones without experiencing any symptoms. These are often called silent gallstones.
However, when stones block the flow of bile, they can cause pain and potentially lead to complications.
Symptoms of Gallbladder Stones
Gallstones may not cause symptoms initially. When they do, common symptoms can include:
- Sudden pain in the upper right abdomen
- Pain in the upper middle abdomen
- Pain after eating, particularly after fatty meals
- Pain that may radiate to the back or right shoulder
- Bloating
- Indigestion
Seek Urgent Medical Attention If You Have:
- Severe or persistent abdominal pain
- Fever or chills
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin
- Dark urine
- Pale stools
- Persistent vomiting
- Severe abdominal pain with vomiting
When Should You Consult a Gallbladder Specialist?
You should consider specialist evaluation if you have:
Recurrent pain after meals
Right upper abdominal pain
Known gallstones on ultrasound
Gallbladder inflammation
Jaundice associated with gallstones
Stones in the common bile duct
Previous gallstone-related pancreatitis
Recurrent gallbladder attacks
How Are Gallbladder Stones Diagnosed?
Ultrasound
An abdominal ultrasound is commonly used to identify gallstones and assess the gallbladder.It can help identify:
Gallstones, Gallbladder wall thickening, Gallbladder inflammation, Fluid around the gallbladder, Bile duct dilatation
Blood Tests
Blood tests may be performed to assess:
Liver function, Bilirubin levels, Signs of infection, Pancreatic enzymes when pancreatitis is suspected
MRCP
Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is a specialized MRI examination that provides detailed images of the bile ducts and pancreatic ducts.It may be recommended when a common bile duct stone is suspected.
CT Scan
CT imaging may be recommended in selected situations, particularly when complications or alternative causes of abdominal pain need to be evaluated.
Types of Gallstone Problems
Gallstones can cause different clinical conditions depending on where the stones are located and whether they block the flow of bile.
Gallstones in the Gallbladder
Stones located within the gallbladder may remain asymptomatic or cause recurrent episodes of biliary pain.
Acute Cholecystitis
A stone can block the gallbladder outlet and cause inflammation known as acute cholecystitis.
Symptoms may include persistent right upper abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and vomiting.
Common Bile Duct Stones
Sometimes a gallstone moves from the gallbladder into the common bile duct.
This condition is known as choledocholithiasis and can cause jaundice, infection, or pancreatitis.
Gallstone Pancreatitis
A stone can temporarily or persistently block the pancreatic drainage pathway and trigger inflammation of the pancreas.
This is known as gallstone pancreatitis.
Gallbladder Stones Treatment
Treatment depends on whether the stones are causing symptoms or complications.
Observation for selected asymptomatic patients
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Endoscopic removal of bile duct stones
Treatment of acute gallbladder inflammation
Management of gallstone-related pancreatitis
Other procedures in selected complex cases
Laparoscopic Gallbladder Surgery
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a minimally invasive operation to remove the gallbladder.
The surgeon makes small abdominal incisions through which a camera and specialized surgical instruments are inserted.
The gallbladder containing the stones is then removed.
Potential Advantages of Laparoscopic Surgery
For appropriate patients, minimally invasive surgery may offer:
- Smaller incisions
- Less postoperative discomfort
- Earlier mobility
- Shorter hospital stay in many cases
- Faster return to routine activities
The suitability of laparoscopic surgery depends on the patient’s condition, anatomy, previous surgeries, severity of inflammation, and other clinical factors.
What Happens During Gallbladder Surgery?
During laparoscopic cholecystectomy:
Step 1: Anaesthesia
The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia.
Step 2: Small Incisions
Small openings are made in the abdomen to introduce the camera and surgical instruments.
Step 3: Gallbladder Identification
The gallbladder and surrounding structures are carefully identified.
Step 4: Gallbladder Removal
The gallbladder is separated from the liver and removed through one of the small incisions.
Step 5: Recovery
After surgery, the patient is monitored and gradually encouraged to move and resume oral intake as appropriate.
The exact surgical approach may vary depending on the patient’s condition.
What If There Is a Stone in the Common Bile Duct?
A gallstone that has moved into the common bile duct may require a different approach.
One commonly used procedure is ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography).During ERCP, an endoscope is passed through the mouth into the digestive tract to access the bile duct. Specialized instruments can then be used to remove selected bile duct stones.
In patients with gallbladder stones and common bile duct stones, the treatment may involve:Bile duct stone clearance + gallbladder removalThe sequence and timing depend on the patient’s condition and the clinical situation.
Gallstone-Related Pancreatitis
Gallstones are one of the causes of acute pancreatitis.
If a gallstone blocks the pancreatic or bile duct pathway, pancreatic inflammation can occur.
Treatment depends on the severity of pancreatitis and whether a persistent bile duct obstruction or infection is present.
Once the acute episode has been appropriately managed, gallbladder removal may be recommended in suitable patients to reduce the risk of recurrent gallstone-related problems.
Gallbladder Stones & Jaundice
Gallstones can sometimes block the common bile duct and cause obstructive jaundice.
Symptoms may include:
- Yellow eyes or skin
- Dark urine
- Pale stools
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- Nausea or vomiting
A blocked bile duct can sometimes become infected and may require urgent treatment.If you develop jaundice with fever or severe abdominal pain, seek urgent medical attention.
Gallbladder Stones & Diet
Dietary changes may help reduce symptoms in some people while they are awaiting medical evaluation or treatment.
Some patients find that symptoms are triggered by:
- Very fatty meals
- Fried foods
- Large meals
- Heavy or greasy foods
A balanced diet with appropriate portions may help manage symptoms, but diet does not remove existing gallstones.
If you have recurrent gallstone symptoms, medical evaluation is important.
Why Choose Dr. Sri Aurobindo Prasad Das?
Dr. Sri Aurobindo Prasad Das is a specialist in Surgical Gastroenterology and Liver Transplantation, with expertise in complex gastrointestinal and hepatopancreatobiliary surgery.
His training and clinical experience include leading institutions such as JIPMER and AIIMS, along with further experience at reputed healthcare centres.
Areas of Expertise
- Surgical Gastroenterology
- Complex Gastrointestinal Surgery
- Laparoscopic GI Surgery
- Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery
- Liver Transplantation
- Complex GI Cancer Surgery
For patients with gastric cancer, the focus is on accurate diagnosis, appropriate staging, individualized treatment planning, and surgical management when indicated.
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Talk to a Gallbladder Stones Specialist Today
If you have recurrent abdominal pain or have already been diagnosed with gallstones, get your condition evaluated by a specialist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gallbladder stones are hardened deposits that form inside the gallbladder. They may consist primarily of cholesterol or other substances found in bile.
No. Many people have gallstones without symptoms. These are often called silent gallstones and may not require treatment unless specific indications are present.
Some patients with asymptomatic gallstones may not need treatment. However, when gallstones are causing recurrent symptoms or complications, gallbladder removal is commonly recommended.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a commonly performed operation, but like any surgery, it has potential risks. Your surgeon will assess whether it is appropriate for you and discuss the potential benefits and risks.
The duration varies depending on the patient's anatomy, inflammation, previous surgeries, and complexity of the case.
Yes. The gallbladder stores bile, but the liver continues to produce bile after the gallbladder is removed. Most people can return to their usual activities after recovery.
A common bile duct stone may cause pain, jaundice, infection, or pancreatitis. Depending on the situation, ERCP or other procedures may be required to clear the bile duct.
Yes. A gallstone can block the drainage pathway and trigger inflammation of the pancreas, known as gallstone pancreatitis.
Yes. If a stone blocks the common bile duct, bile cannot drain normally and jaundice can occur.