Gallstones are the hard stones formed in the gallbladder that are present on the right side of the abdomen, just below the liver. It is a small, pear-shaped organ that has a role in the digestion of food. The gallbladder has digestive juice that enters the small intestine and helps in the process of digestion. Gallstones are the hard deposit of bile that is formed in the liver but stored in the gallbladder. After eating, the gallbladder contracts and pushes this bile into the small intestine. Gallstones can vary in size. It can be small like a seed or it can be the size of a golf ball. Some people have just one gallstone while others may have multiple gallstones in their gallbladders. The stones in the gallbladder can travel to the bile duct and may block the pathway of the bile. The symptoms of gallstones in the gallbladder can be absent in the early stages and it does not require any treatment. When the gallstones start producing severe symptoms, it may require the surgical removal of the gallbladder. Gallstones can produce symptoms like pain, nausea, and vomiting. The pain caused by gallstones can last from minutes to hours. If the gallstones are not treated in time, it may lead to severe complications that may be difficult to handle. So proper management is necessary to avoid these complications.
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.
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.ย
Family History
A positive family history of gallstones can increase the risk twofold.ย
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.
01/03/2026
