Gallstones Removal Treatment in India

Types of Gallstones Removal Treatment India

There are some treatment options according to the condition of the patient. These are:

• Watchful Waiting
• Medications
• Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
• Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
• Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)
• Percutaneous Cholecystostomy

Watchful waiting

When gallstones are small and do not cause any symptoms, watchful waiting is recommended in which the symptoms are observed closely without starting any treatment.

Medication

Some medications can be used to dissolve gallstones in the gallbladder. However, this process can be slow and may not work for all types of gallstones. And they may need extra treatment techniques.

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

This is the most common and effective treatment for symptomatic gallstones. It involves the removal of the gallbladder through minimally invasive surgery by using a laparoscope. The gallbladder does not a major role in the process of digestion so the removal of the gallbladder does not affect digestion.

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

ERCP is a procedure that is used to remove gallstones that have traveled into the bile ducts. An endoscope is inserted through the mouth into the small intestine, and the stones are removed from the same pathway.

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)

This procedure is non-invasive in that the shock waves are used to break down gallstones into smaller fragments, which can then pass through the bile ducts and be excreted from the body through the natural digestion process.

Percutaneous Cholecystostomy

In situations where surgery is risky or not suitable for the patient due to complications, a tube can be inserted through the skin into the gallbladder to drain bile. This procedure can relieve the symptoms of the patient and reduce the severe pain.

Diagnosis of Gallstones Removal Treatment India

The diagnosis of gallstones is made in any of the following ways.

Medical history and physical examination

In this method, doctors perform some physical examination take the history of the patient, and then correlate it with medical science to make a diagnosis of gallstones.

Ultrasound

The sound waves are used to visualize the gallbladder and detect gallstones.

CT scan or MRI

These imaging techniques are used for detailed imaging if needed.

HIDA scan

The scan is performed to assess gallbladder function.

ERCP

This can be used to check for stones in the bile ducts and also for treatment.

Blood tests

The blood tests are performed to assess liver function and detect any complications.

Cost of gallstones removal treatment in India

The cost of gallstone removal treatment in India ranges from 500 USD to 1500 USD. The cost can vary according to the facilities of the hospital and the skill of the surgeon in the procedure. The cost can also vary according to the condition of the patient and the complications of symptoms.

Symptoms and Risk factors

Some of these symptoms of gallstones are:

• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Indigestion
• Back pain
• Bloating
• Jaundice
• Clay-colored stools
• Dark urine
• Fever
• Chills
• Sweating
• Belching
• Intolerance to fatty foods
• The feeling of fullness or heaviness in the abdomen
• Pain that worsens after eating, especially fatty or greasy foods
• Pain that lasts for several hours
• Pain that comes and goes in waves
• Pain that intensifies with deep breathing
• Pain that occurs in the middle of the night or after eating a large meal

Risk factors of gallstones

Some of the risk factors that are associated with gallstones are:

Gender

Women are at greater risk of developing gallstones than men. They often develop gallstones in pregnancy due to the hormonal changes in the body.

Age

The risk of gallstones increases with age. Women after 40 years are more prone to develop gallstones.

Obesity

People who are overweight and obese are more likely to develop gallstones. They have more cholesterol in their body which may lead to the formation of stones in the gallbladder.

Rapid Weight Loss

Rapid weight loss through diets and surgeries can increase the risk of gallstones. 

Family History

A positive family history of gallstones can increase the risk twofold. 

Diet

A diet rich in fats and a lack of vegetables, fruits, and grains can lead to the formation of gallstones.

Sedentary Lifestyle

An inactive lifestyle and no exercise can increase the risk of gallstones.

Diabetes

People with diabetes are more likely to develop gallstones. It is mostly due to their blood sugar levels that are very high. People with diabetes should control their blood sugar levels to prevent complications.

Liver Disease

Some liver diseases such as cirrhosis can increase the risk of gallstones.

Certain Medications

Some medications that are used in hormone replacement therapy or those medicines that have estrogen, may increase the risk of gallstones.

Rapid Weight Gain

Rapid gain of weight can also increase the risk of gallstones due to excess fats and cholesterol and limited activity.