COMMON DIGESTIVE CONDITION
Gallbladder Stones
Hardened deposits of cholesterol or bile pigments that form inside the gallbladder — causing pain, indigestion, and inflammation, often requiring surgical removal of the gallbladder.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is Gallbladder Stones
Gallbladder stones (also called cholelithiasis or gallstones) are solid deposits that form inside the gallbladder — a small pear-shaped organ that stores bile from the liver. These stones can range from tiny grains of sand to the size of a golf ball and may be single or multiple. Many people live with gallstones without symptoms, but when a stone blocks the bile duct, it causes sudden, severe pain (biliary colic), usually in the upper right abdomen after fatty meals. Gallstones can lead to inflammation (cholecystitis), jaundice, pancreatitis, or infection if left untreated. The only definitive treatment is removal of the gallbladder itself — a procedure called cholecystectomy. Dr. Abhishek Katha performs laparoscopic gallbladder removal at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad, allowing patients to return home the same day.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Excess cholesterol in bile leading to stone formation
- Female gender, pregnancy, and hormonal changes
- Obesity or rapid weight loss
- Age above 40, and family history of gallstones
- High-fat, low-fibre diet and sedentary lifestyle
- Diabetes and certain blood disorders
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
Cholesterol stones, pigment stones, or mixed
Laparoscopic or open cholecystectomy
4-port laparoscopic removal with minimal scarring
Home same day; normal diet in 3–5 days
Complete resolution; no dietary restrictions long-term
Available at Lux Hospitals, Hitech City, Hyderabad
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Dr. Abhishek performs laparoscopic gallbladder removal through 4 tiny incisions — the gold standard worldwide. Patients typically go home the same day with minimal pain and return to a normal diet within a week.
- 1
Consultation & Assessment
Clinical review, ultrasound, and liver function tests to confirm stones and rule out duct complications.
- 2
Treatment Planning
Surgery is planned based on stone size, symptoms, and any duct involvement requiring additional procedures.
- 3
Surgical Procedure
Laparoscopic gallbladder removal under general anaesthesia is typically completed in 45–60 minutes.
- 4
Recovery & Follow-up
Discharge within 24 hours, soft diet for 2–3 days, full return to normal activity within a week.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Minimally invasive removal of the gallbladder through small incisions provides effective relief from gallstones with minimal pain and quick recovery.
ERCP with Stone Extraction / Stenting
Endoscopic procedure to remove bile duct stones or place stents, restoring normal bile flow and preventing complications like infection or jaundice.
Open Cholecystectomy
Surgical removal of the gallbladder through a larger incision is usually performed in complex cases where laparoscopic surgery is not suitable.
Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration (LCBDE)
Minimally invasive technique to remove stones from the bile duct during gallbladder surgery, avoiding the need for separate procedures.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
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