Gallbladder Gallstone Surgery | Best Gallstone Surgeon in Greater Noida
Gallstones are hardened deposits that form in the gallbladder, a small organ located beneath the liver. These stones can vary in size from tiny grains of sand to large golf balls. Gallstones are primarily composed of cholesterol or bilirubin, a substance produced when the liver breaks down old red blood cells.
Dr Sunil Kumar Singh
What Are Gallbladder Stones?
Gallbladder stones are a disorder that develops in the gallbladder and are also known as gallstones. The gallbladder is located below the liver in our body and its function is to collect the bile juice secreted by the liver and help in our digestion process. For Gallbladder stones treatment and gallstone surgery in greater Noida you need to consult the best gallstone surgeon in Greater Noida for
Gallbladder stones develop when there is too much cholesterol in the bile juice secreted by the liver. Although gallstone is a common disorder, it can prove to be dangerous when this stone gets stuck somewhere after coming out of the biliary tract, which can take the form of a complicated body issue.
Why Do Gallbladder Stones Occur?
The prime reason behind gallbladder stones is the excess amount of cholesterol available in the gallbladder in the solid form. The reason behind the formation of this substantial cholesterol is the unabsorbed cholesterol in the gallbladder, mainly due to the excess cholesterol in the composition of bile juice secreted by the liver.
Gallbladder Stones Location
Gallbladder stones often form and develop in the gallbladder, although their size and number can vary, such as a single large stone or multiple smaller stones. This stone affects the normal flow of bile that travels from the gallbladder to the small intestine, causing many symptoms and complications of gallbladder stones.
Gallbladder Is An Average Size Of Gallstone?
A gallbladder stone can range in size from small particles like pebbles in the sand, and its average size can be estimated to be that of a grain of rice, whereas its largest size has been seen as that of a golf ball. The size of gallbladder stones affects the severity of symptoms, and treatment is done according to the size of these stones.
It is essential to note that gallbladder stones do not always result in symptoms, and a person can have a stone in their gallbladder without experiencing any problems. Symptoms of gallbladder stones usually depend on their size, number, and location, which cause abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and jaundice.
Reasons For Gallbladder Stones
Many factors contribute to the development of a gallbladder stone, but gallbladder stones are deposits of Cholesterol or Bilirubin. Apart from this, there can be some other agents behind the occurrence of gallbladder stones, which are as follows:
- Increased cholesterol levels often cause gallbladder stones.
- Bilirubin imbalance also causes grave gallbladder stones.
- The gallbladder dysfunction is an essential factor behind the formation of gallbladder stones.
- It is often seen that gallbladder problems are more in overheated presence, and under this, obesity also becomes the cause of gallbladder.
- A rapid weight loss can lead to gallbladder stones and has been proven in some cases.
How Gallbladder Stones Are Formed?
Often, people wonder how gallbladder stones form. Excess cholesterol is responsible for developing gallbladder stones, a significant role played by the composition of bile. In many cases, precipitation of certain substances classified as solid particles also causes the formation of gallbladder stones.
Most commonly, the gallbladder cannot absorb excess cholesterol in blue juice (secreted by the liver), forming a solid substance. This solid substance is mainly referred to as stone.
Difference Between Kidney Stones And Gallbladder Stones
Often, people associate gallbladder stones with kidney stones and get confused between the two, but kidney stones and gallbladder stones are entirely different. It can be understood from their names that kidney stones form and develop in the kidney, whereas gallbladder stones form and grow in the gallbladder.
Cholesterol plays a significant role in the composition of a gallbladder stone, while uric acid, oxalate, and calcium play an essential role in kidney stones. Since these two are different medical conditions, their symptoms and treatment methods differ.
Gallbladder Stones Types
Gallbladder stones are found in two essential types, which are known as Cholesterol Stones and Pigment Stones. There is a difference in the composition of these two related to gallbladder stones. Complete details of both these types are available below.
Cholesterol Gallbladder Stones
Gallbladder stones: The most enormous gallbladder stones in the majority are cholesterol stones. Cholesterol gallbladder stones are so common that this type is found in more than 80% of gallbladder stone cases. Generally, these stones are formed from the composition of cholesterol, which is considered a fatty substance. Cholesterol is also a standard component found in bile.
Cholesterol gallbladder stones form when there is more cholesterol in the bile juice than your gallbladder can consume. Insufficient bile salt also creates cholesterol gall bladder stones, which cannot dissolve.
Pigment Stones
In the remaining 20% of cases, we see pigment stones in the type of gallbladder stones; generally, these are less common. Pigment stones usually form from the integration of bilirubin, a waste product created due to the liver’s breakdown of red blood cells. Pigment stones are generally of two types: black pigment stones and brown pigment stones.
Black Pigment Stones
They are named black pigment stones because they are generally dark and black. Apart from black colour, their color can also be dark brown. It is primarily made up of calcium salt and bilirubin. Such stones develop due to conditions like liver cirrhosis, blood disorders (sickle cell or anemia), or biliary tract infection.
Brown Pigment Stones
Such stones are softer and smoother than black pigment stones. These pigment stones contain high amounts of bilirubin, calcium salts, and fatty acids. Brown pigment stones are usually associated with bacterial infections that survive by establishing a host in the bile ducts, such as in the case of Recurrent Biliary Tract Infections.
Causes Of Gallbladder Stone
Gallbladder stones can have many forms, which also depend on different factors. Still, generally, in the cases of gallbladder stones, some factors are significant factors that determine the causes of gallbladder stones, and they are as follows:
• Cholesterol Imbalance
The Most Common Reason For Gallbladder Stones is the body’s cholesterol imbalance. Cholesterol misbalancing means that the amount of cholesterol in the bile juice being secreted by the liver becomes so high that your gallbladder cannot dissolve it. In such a situation, this cholesterol takes a solid form and forms stones. Apart from this, cholesterol imbalance can also occur due to a deficiency of bile salts.
• Gallbladder Dysfunction
Gallbladder Dysfunction occurs when the gallbladder cannot be emptied, and some amount of bile juice secreted by the liver remains. That is, incomplete emptying of bile juice into the gallbladder can cause gallbladder dysfunction, leading to the formation of gallbladder stones.
• Hormonal Factor (Gallbladder stones during pregnancy)
There is a risk of developing gallbladder stones due to an increased amount of certain hormones in the body. When a woman is pregnant and consuming oral contraceptives, the amount of estrogen may increase, which can affect the bile composition. It can become a factor in gallbladder stone formation.
• Genetics
Genetics also plays a vital role in the formation of gallbladder stones. According to some reports, it has been found that a family history of gallbladder stones increases the chances of developing it. Genetic factors can influence the function and composition of bile, increasing the risk of developing gallbladder stones in some individuals.
• Medical Conditions
Some health factors can also cause Gallbladder Stones. In such cases, liver disease is considered. Some liver diseases that cause gallbladder stones are Cirrhosis, Hemolytic, Anemia, and Crohn’s Disease. Apart from liver disease, some metabolic disorders are also said to be the reasons behind gallbladder stones like, Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome.
So, the above given are some of the causes that are said to be behind gallbladder stones. In addition to certain factors, health and medical conditions may contribute to a person’s risk of developing gallbladder stones. Apart from these, some lifestyle factors also promote gallbladder stones, and due to the continuous following of such lifestyle activities, some people build gallbladder stones. Some such lifestyle factors are mentioned below.
What Are The Lifestyle Factors That Causes Gallstones?
- Obesity
- Being Overweight
- Imbalanced Diet
- Low Fiber Intake
- Sedentary Habits
- Avoiding Physical Activities
Gallbladder Stones Problems
Due to gallbladder stones being found in a person, they may have to face many problems that affect their health condition and lifestyle factors. The following are some of the common issues that are noticed in patients with gallbladder stones.
Gallbladder Inflammation (Cholecystitis)
You may notice swelling in your gallbladder if gallbladder stones block the bile duct. Due to this blockage, you may have to face abdominal pain, along with which you will usually experience symptoms like fever, nausea, and vomiting.
Choledocholithiasis
Choledocholithiasis is a condition due to which you may get jaundice; apart from this, you may have to face problems like dark urine and stool, abdominal pain, and digestive disturbance in general. This condition occurs when gallstones accumulate in the bile ducts, thus blocking bile flow from the liver to the small intestine. (Mainly in the bile duct)
Gangrene & Perforation
Gangrene, commonly referred to as tissue death and gallbladder perforation, is a condition that develops when gallstones block the blood supply to the gallbladder. Conditions can become very complex within a few months and should be treated immediately.
Biliary Cholic
Biliary Cholic creates a situation of pain that can last for a few hours and can also cause nausea and vomiting. This condition generally occurs when gallstones obstruct the bile duct temporarily and pass from there.
Gallstones Ileus
Although rare, the condition develops when a large gallstone breaks through the gallbladder walls and enters the intestine. After this entry, a blockage is created, which is referred to as gallstone ileus.
Gallbladder Infection
It is evident that if gallbladder stones are develop in the patient’s gallbladder, the patient’s gallbladder can have an infection. This condition can cause bacterial infection in the gallbladder, resulting in abdominal pain, tenderness, and fever. Along with this, the amount of white blood cells in the body will also increase.
Gallbladder Stones Pain
Pain is a common property of gallbladder stones as the solid substance (mainly stone) floats in the gallbladder and strikes the walls, thus providing pain. The pain could be in the upper abdomen and radiate to the shoulder.
Gallbladder Stones Symptoms
Gallbladder stones can cause a variety of symptoms ranging from pain to unexpected weight loss. Many symptoms can be noticed in gallbladder stones, but some are very serious. Some Common Symptoms Of Gallbladder Stones include:
Digestive Disturbances
Gallbladder stones affect the normal bile flow required for the digestion of fats. When this blockage occurs, the digestion of fats stops, causing the patient to face digestive disturbances such as indigestion, diarrhea, bloating, or gas-related problems.
Jaundice
Jaundice is a medical condition that occurs when a gallstone blocks the bile duct, thus resulting in the blockage of bile flow from the liver to the small intestine. Generally, due to jaundice, a person’s skin and eyes become yellow, and they seek urine and pale stools.
Nausea
Gallbladder stones can also cause nausea, due to which a person may vomit, and this happens when most people are facing abdominal pain. In some cases, nausea can be mild, and in some cases, it can be severe. The reason behind such a condition is fatty or greasy food consumption.
Abdominal Pain
One such symptom that is most common after gallbladder stones is abdominal pain. It is also known as Biliary Cholic. In many cases, such pain is found in the upper right part of the stomach. Apart from this location, this pain can be felt in the back or shoulder. Sometimes, this pain takes the form of cramps. In many cases, abdominal pain lasts from a few minutes to several hours and is usually caused by fatty meal consumption.
Fevers
Generally, fever is common in most health issues, and the same is true in cases of gallbladder stones. Gallbladder stones can cause inflammation, leading to a gallbladder infection, and as a result, the patient develops a fever with chills and sweating. Fever indicates that the patient suffers from an ongoing disease and needs immediate treatment.
Gallbladder Stones Symptoms In Male
In some cases of gallbladder stones, men may have to face such symptoms, which can develop only in men, and this symptom can not be seen in any woman. The symptoms of gallbladder stones, which are found only in men, are as follows:
Testicular Pain
In some rare situations, gallbladder stones can cause pain in the testicles in men. Men may face the symptoms and have pain in their testicular area.
Scrotal Swelling
One such symptom not commonly seen in women is scrotal swelling, which causes the scrotal swells to temporarily in men. Gallbladder inflammation can be the leading cause of scrotal swelling.
Erectile Dysfunction
Gallbladder stones can, in some cases, cause erectile dysfunction in men, due to which a man may have to face continuous symptoms like abnormal erection.
Gallbladder stones symptoms in female
In some aspects, the symptoms of gallbladder stones may differ in females compared to males. The symptoms that a female faces after having gallbladder stones are as follows:
Pain In Shoulder Blades
Abdominal pain caused by gallbladder in women can sometimes reach the shoulder blades, which is common, but such a condition does not occur quickly in men.
Symptoms Associated With Estrogen
Some hormonal factors also cause gallbladder symptoms in women. Estrogen dominance can give rise to the problems of gallbladder stones, and due to this, women can often face symptoms like bloating, breast tenderness, and mood swings.
Pain During Pregnancy
Due to pregnancy in women, the chances of formation of gallbladder stones increase, and during pregnancy, they may have to face pain, which is a symptom of gallbladder stones.
Does Gallbladder Stones Cause Gas?
Some individuals may develop gas problems due to gallbladder stones or digestive disturbances such as belching and bloating.
So, by now, through this article, you have learned about Gallbladder Stones, like Types of Gallbladder Stones, and some of their problems. Some symptoms may differ between men and women, as stated in the above paragraph, and now it is time to share information about the Treatment Of Gallbladder Stones. So, the following section will give you all the treatment options related to gallbladder stones.
Gallbladder Stones Diagnosis
In today’s modern world, there are multiple options for diagnosing gallbladder stones. From physical examination to therapy, there are many factors that contribute to gallbladder diagnosis. Following are some of the Gallbladder Diagnoses that are commonly used today to diagnose a gallbladder stone:
Blood Test
After practicing all the diagnostic procedures, the patient’s blood is also tested. During a blood test, the functioning of your liver is examined, especially the levels of enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). By doing this, the inflammation occurring in the gallbladder can be identified.
Imaging Test For Gallbladder Stones
Imaging tests also play an essenti role in the diagnosis of gallbladder stones. An imaging test is a test through which the gallbladder area is visualized with the help of ultrasound imaging. This is a non-invasive technique and cannot cause pain. The results of imaging tests provide a lot of valuable information that reflects information related to the gallbladder, gallbladder wall thickness, and inflammation.
Physical Examination
Physical examination is the initial step in diagnosing gallbladder stones. Before this procedure, a healthcare professional may discuss the symptoms with the patient. Apart from the discussion, the patient will also have to share details about family history so that the genetic cause can be easily identified. After statement evaluation, a physical examination is conducted, during which the healthcare expert examines the patient’s body physically and internally.
Gallbladder Stones Scan
In addition to physical examination and imaging tests, techniques such as gall bladder stone scanning and computer tomography are also used in diagnosis. This technique shows detailed cross-sectional images of the gallbladder, which can identify gallbladder disorders and their complete conditions. Apart from this, an MRI test, known as Magnetic Resonance Imaging, is also used. Using an MRI scan, high-resolution images of the gallbladder and biliary system can be visualized, proving excellence in detecting abnormal disorders.
Gallbladder Stones Treatment
Because gallbladder stones are such a medical condition that, even in their minimal form, can cause a person many problems like pain, fever, and some lifestyle changes, to control them, the patient will have to adopt some treatment option so that they can get rid of gallbladder stones and get relief from such conditions. So today, many curing methods are used for the Treatment Of Gallbladder.
Generally, multiple options are available in treating gallbladder stones, which depend on nonsurgical and surgical factors. Mild gallbladder stones can be cured without surgery, and the patient can recover very fast. Still, in some severe cases, the patient has to undergo surgery so that the risk of gallbladder stones does not become too serious.
The question arises about the factors available for patients as a treatment option. So, the following are some such Gallbladder Stone Treatment Options that are very popular today, and doctors usually use these phenomena as treatment options to treat gallbladder stones.
- Natural Home Remedies For Removing Gallbladder Stones
- Nonsurgical Methods Of Removing Gallbladder Stones
- Surgical Methods Of Removing Gallbladder Stones
Typically, many Individuals have a common query that goes, What Size Of Gallbladder Stone Needs Surgery? Before knowing the Gallbladder Stones Treatment Options, one should understand which gallstone sizes they should seek surgical treatment for and which ones would be better to take the home remedy and nonsurgical treatment. So, the below section will help you classify the different sizes of gallstones along with their treatment options.
What Size Of Gallbladder Stones Need Surgery?
Gallbladder stones can develop in many forms, ranging from a tiny pebble to as large as a golf ball. Their size can also be measured with the help of screening tests.
Gallbladder stones that are less than 5 millimeters in size can be dissolved by adopting natural remedies.
Gallbladder stones that are larger than 5 millimeters but less than 10 mm can be treated through nonsurgical treatment options with the advice of a health care professional.
In many cases, it has been found that many gallbladder stones are more significant than 10 mm in size. Hence, surgical treatment option is always preferred for these patients.
Now, you must have been confirmed for which size of gallbladder stone surgery becomes the only treatment option. Now, you should head below to know all the options available today for treating gallstones.
Treatment For Gallstones
Several treatment options are available today based on the size and complexity of the gallstones. As classified in the paragraph above, different sizes of gallstones need other treatments, so below are the different methods that are used for curing gallstones.
How To Treat Gallbladder Stones Without Surgery?
To treat gallstones without surgery, one should note that the gallstone must not be more than 5mm in size. After identification, the patient can use natural dissolution techniques to dissolve gallstones. Below are some of the Natural Ways To Dissolve Gallstones.
How to Dissolve Gallstones Naturally?
Conditions like Gallbladder Stones can give a person complex pain as well as make them complete of symptoms. However, surgery is considered the best treatment factor as a better and more gentle option. Still, in many cases, people have smaller Gallstones, or the chances of their occurrence are higher. People search for a natural method to dissolve gallstones in such a situation. Below are Some Proven And Effective Natural Methods to help you 90% Dissolve Gallbladder Stones.
1. Herbal Remedies
Some herbs are helpful in the traditional treatment of gallbladder stones. These herbs have such potential that they can dissolve gallbladder stones and even kidney stones. You can consider it as a supplement. Its primary function is to break down gallstones. Chanca Piedra is an herb known as a Stone Breaker and is the best in dissolving gallstones.
2. Consumption Of Milk Thistle
For decades, consuming milk thistle has proven to be a better option for promoting liver health and breaking down gallbladder stones. Milk thistle can break down gallstones while optimizing liver health.
3. Consumption Of Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar can also prove to be effective in dissolving gallstones naturally. Using one spoon of apple cider vinegar in hot water can promote the breakdown of gallstones. The patient should use this fluid before their meals. Apple cider vinegar has acidic properties, which prove beneficial in dissolving stones.
4. Gallbladder Flush
An effective natural method is the mixture of olive oil and lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. This remedy stimulates bile production and proves helpful in the passage of small gallstones. However, gallbladder flushes usually include a mix of lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil, which are natural ingredients; you should consult your healthcare provider before using it.
Gallbladder Stone Removal Without Surgery
Nonsurgical Treatment For Gallbladder Stones includes many medication factors that can effectively treat gallbladder stones without undergoing any operation. Gallbladder Stones Treatment without Operation has multiple curing options in the below section.
Medicines
Usually, gallbladder stones can be treated with medicines without surgery. In such a situation, some medication options are available to dissolve the gallbladder and help a patient recover as soon as possible. Medication Treatment Options For Gallbladder Stones include different treatment options, which are as follows.
1. Ursodeoxycholic Acid (UDCA):
This medication technique is usually given to the patient to dissolve Cholesterol Gallbladder Stones. This means using such medication will melt the gallbladder stones inside the patient’s body and release them as a waste product. This technique works by reducing the amount of cholesterol in the patient’s body and modifying the composition of bile. Such a technique is helpful for all tiny gallbladder stones. If the patient wants to go with this medication option, it may take several months or even a few years for them to recover from their gallbladder stones.
What dissolves gallbladder stones fast?
Ursodiol can be used to dissolve gallbladder stones quickly. It is also known as ursodeoxycholic acid.
2. Oral Dissolution Therapy
Oral dissolution therapy is a procedure under which the patient has to take oral medication, which is a nonsurgical treatment option. Usually, the medicines that are given orally to the patients contain a composition of chemicals that dissolve gallbladder stones.
A patient should have regular checkups with the health care team, which may include regular monitoring through procedures such as ultrasound or imaging techniques to identify the effectiveness of the oral medication. Even with this technique, it takes a few months to a few years for a patient to recover.
3. Gallbladder Stones Dissolution Via MTBE Injection
Gallbladder stones that are formed by cholesterol are usually treated using MTBE injection. MTBE injection is composed of an organic compound known as methyl tert-butyl ether. It is a nonsurgical procedure in which MTBE is injected into the gallbladder, and its components are effective on the stones and dissolve them in some time. After dissolution, the stone melts and is eliminated from the body through the bile duct.
Apart from medication treatment options, there are some other options for treating gallbladder stones that promote nonsurgical factors. The techniques which are very common yet valuable today for the treatment of gallbladder Stones are as follows:
4. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL, Laser Treatment For Gallbladder Stones)
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL, also known as Laser Treatment For Gallstones) is a popular nonsurgical and noninvasive option to treat gallbladder stones. The technique uses shock waves to break a gallbladder stone into pieces, after which these small pieces can be eliminated from the body through the bile duct. This technique is used for patients with minor or cholesterol-based gallbladder stones. The method is not practical for patients with large gallbladder stones.
5. Drainage Of Gallbladder Stone Using Ultrasound-Guided Technique (EUS-GBD)
This nonsurgical technique is used on patients who are suffering from gallbladder inflammation or those who have acute cholecystitis. This procedure is performed under local anesthesia and helps identify the gallstones using a catheter in the gallbladder using real-time ultrasound visualization.
In this procedure, an endoscopic tube is placed between the gallbladder and alimentary tract to allow drainage of bile and gallstones and eliminate them from the gallbladder, also known as Transmural Drainage. To prove this process effective, the patient needs regular and strict monitoring.
How Are Gallbladder Stones Treated Without Removal Of Gallbladder?
It is evident that gallstones in the gallbladder mainly require gallbladder removal for the best treatment. However, the gallstones available in the bile duct can easily be treated without removing the gallbladder. The Technique Used To Treat Gallbladder Stones Without Removing Gallbladder Is Known As Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
With this surgical treatment technique, gallstones can be treated without removing the gallbladder from the body. This technique combines endoscopy and x-ray to visualize the gallstones in the monitor. This procedure includes inserting a flexible tube from the mouth through the esophageal, stomach, and duodenum to identify any gallstone by equipping a camera and light at the tip.
However, the thing to be understood in this method is that only the gallstone in the bile duct can be removed; however, if the gallstone is present in the gall bladder of the patient, they will have to undergo other surgical techniques requiring the gallbladder removal.
Gallbladder Stones Surgery
There are many such cases where natural remedies and medications do not have any effect on gallbladder stones, and ultimately, a patient has to choose the surgical treatment option. Many alternative approaches to gallbladder stone surgery can eliminate small to large gallbladder stones. Some Prevalent Types Of Gallbladder Stone Surgical Treatment are as follows.
Types Of Gallbladder Stones Surgery
Surgical treatment of gallbladder stones is usually done through two divisions. Different treatment techniques are adopted in these surgical types to eliminate a gallstone from the body. Any surgery related to the gallbladder is carried out through Open Cholecystectomy and Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy.
1. Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy is the surgical method that is most commonly used today because it is a minimally invasive surgical procedure. This surgical option is used for any complex problems related to the gallbladder, under which a surgeon makes small incisions in the abdomen of the patient. The purpose of applying this incision is to insert the surgeon’s surgery-related instrument into the abdomen.
The surgeon then uses a laparoscope to visualize the patient’s gallbladder on a dedicated monitor, and with its help, the surgery can be carried out. During surgery, the gallbladder is detached from the liver and bile duct through the incision.
The advantage of the laparoscopic surgical method is that it is a minimally invasive technique, due to which the patient experiences less pain and takes very little time to recover.
But its one drawback is that in some cases, this surgery is transformed into Open Cholecystectomy if the conditions related to the gallbladder are considered complex.
Laparoscopy For Gallbladder Stones
Laparoscopy for gallbladder stones is often known as keyhole surgery. This method is a surgical technique to treat gallbladder stones, which is performed in a minimally invasive procedure. In the laparoscopy technique, a small incision is made in the abdomen of the patient, and this is the specialty of laparoscopy because apart from this, a big incision is made in the abdomen of the Open Cholecystectomy.
Laparoscopy has some features, such as it gives less pain to the patient. This technique requires less access to the gallbladder tissue, and in comparison to other surgical methods, the patient is discharged from the hospital in a day or two. Last but not least, it takes significantly less time for a patient to recover.
This technique uses a laparoscope inserted into the patient’s abdomen through a small incision that includes a flexible tube, a light, and a small camera. Due to the laparoscopic instrument, a visualization of the gallbladder is presented on the surgeon’s monitor. Using just this process, the surgeon detaches the patient’s gallbladder from the liver and biliary duct, and the problem of gallstones is eliminated.
2. Open Cholecystectomy
Surgical techniques like Open Cholecystectomy are used when Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy is not feasible. In comparison to the Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy, a large cut is made in the abdomen, and the surgery is taken into existence.
Using this technique, the surgeon makes an incision in the upper right abdomen and then separates the muscle and tissue with the help of surgical instruments. The gallbladder is now carefully detached from the liver, bile duct, and blood vessels and then removed from the body through a large incision.
Open Cholecystectomy is generally taken in use when the gallbladder is severely inflamed and the patient has complexity in the site that may cause blockage of the bile duct. A patient who undergoes Open Cholecystectomy often requires more time to be recovered as compared to Laparoscopic Surgery.
Gallbladder Stones Removal Procedure
The process of removing gallbladder stones may vary depending on the treatment method. If a patient is given nonsurgical treatment, gallbladder stones are eliminated using noninvasive techniques.
Gallbladder Stones Removal Procedure Without Surgery
Gallbladder stones are removed by natural methods without surgery (effective for stones sized less than 5 millimeters). Combining certain ingredients, such as olive oil, lemon juice, ice, and apple cider vine, can contribute to naturally removing gallbladder stones.
When a patient consumes such ingredients, these ingredients dissolve the gallstones present in the gallbladder in the body itself, after which the gallstones are eliminated through the bile duct.
Apart from natural techniques, some medication techniques are considered capable of eliminating gallbladder stones, and they also work on the same process. Ursodiol, or Ursodeoxycholic acids, breaks down gallbladder stones and stops them from the body.
Gallbladder Stone Removal Procedure Without Removing Gallbladder
There are some nonsurgical methods available to treat gallbladder stones without removing the gallbladder, which include Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL, Laser Treatment For Gallbladder Stones) and Drainage Of Gallbladder stones using Ultrasound-Guided Technique (EUS-GBD).
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL, Laser Treatment For Gallbladder Stones)
The procedure of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL, Laser Treatment For Gallbladder Stones) is used in such a way that by throwing a laser beam on the gallstones, they get broken down, and due to the breakdown, they are eliminated from the body.
Drainage Of Gallbladder Stone Using Ultrasound-Guided Technique (EUS-GBD)
During the surgical procedure of Drainage of Gallbladder Stone Using Ultrasound-Guided Technique (EUS-GBD), a tube is placed through the mouth, the esophagus into the stomach, and finally into the duodenum, with a camera and light attached at one end, with the help of which, gallstones can be detected, and the monitoring is done. After this, if any gallbladder stone is found in the bile duct, it is drained through the tube, eliminating the gallbladder stones from the body. This process is referred to as Transmural Drainage.
Gallbladder Stone Removal Procedure With Surgery
Gallbladder stone is also treated surgically, and there are different methods for surgery. Although these surgical methods include Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy and open Cholecystectomy, the procedures of both are approximately the same.
In both procedures, a cut is made in the abdomen; the only difference is that in Laparoscopic Surgery, a small incision is made in the abdomen, whereas in Open Cholecystectomy, this incision is made more prominent. The procedure followed in both methods is the same, which includes detaching the gall bladder from the liver, bile duct, and blood vessels.
Which Doctor To Consult For Gallbladder Stones?
In cases of gallbladder stones, patients should first consult their Primary Care Physician, during which they should tell the physician about their symptoms and problems. Your primary care physician will first try to treat the matter through topical medicines. If the symptoms remain unresolved, the physician will refer you to a Gastroenterologist, Hepatologist, or Surgeon for further help.
Who Treats Gallbladder Stones?
1. Gastroenterologists
Gastroenterology generally treats disorders related to the digestive system, including gallbladder surgery. Although they deal with problems associated with the digestive system, Gastroenterology is the first choice for a patient suffering from gallstones. That is why they are considered a professional healthcare specialist in this field.
2. Hepatologist
Although Hepatologists are doctors who provide treatment and diagnosis for liver-related disorders, they can also contribute to cases of gallstones, especially when there are some liver conditions related to gallstones encountered during the test.
3. Surgeons
Surgeons often contribute to the surgical treatment of gallbladder stones. Still, the surgeons specializing in treating gallbladder stones may differ, such as Hepatobiliary Surgeons and Laparoscopic Surgeons. These surgeons especially take the Cholecystectomy procedure into use for the treatment of gallbladder stones.
Surgeon For Gallbladder Stones
In complicated cases of gallbladder stones, your healthcare professional usually advises you to undergo surgery, and in such cases, you have to consult a surgeon. Such surgeons performing surgery for gallbladder stones generally prove versatile in surgical procedures.
Such surgeons use Cholecystostomy Surgical Techniques, which include Laparoscopic Cholecystostomy or Open Cholecystectomy.
Such surgeons have the expertise to perform minimally invasive laparoscopic surgeries and open Cholecystectomy surgeries, which contribute significantly to the success of a patient’s surgery. During surgery, the patient’s gallbladder is removed from their body, which depends on the complexity and characteristics of the gallbladder stones.
Gallstone Surgery Recovery
After gallstone surgery, a patient must have one week as a recovery period to return to normal activities like walking, running, and daily household work except lifting heavy loads and doing heavy workouts. But, after a period of 6 to 7 weeks after surgery, a patient is completely recovered.
Gallbladder Stone Treatment Cost
Although the cost of gallbladder stone treatment depends on many factors such as the size, complexity of the gallbladder stone, and the treatment types, generally, the cost of treatment of gallstones is around INR 45000 to INR 55000. (in case of a nonsurgical treatment)
Gallbladder Stones Surgical Cost Treatment
The surgical treatment of gallbladder stones can range from around INR 170,000 to INR 2 lakh.
Laparoscopic Surgery Cost For Gallbladder Stones
If we talk specifically about laparoscopic surgery for gallbladder stones, then in this surgical technique, the patient has to spend approximately INR 180,000 for the treatment.
Gallbladder Stones Diet
An individual’s diet can be very beneficial in managing gallbladder stones. If a patient has a chance of developing gallbladder stones or has very mild symptoms, then they can follow a specific diet, which is as follows.
- Eat low-fat food: Egg whites, fruits, vegetables, lean meat, and low-fat dairy products.
- Increase Fiber Intake: Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes
- Eat Healthy Fat Food: Avocado, seeds, and nuts, and also consume olive oil.
- Fluids: Enough Water, Citric Fruit Juices and also consume lemon juice and olive oil
- Have frequent meals throughout the day Instead of the more significant portion
- Stay hydrated by drinking enough water.
Foods To Avoid For Gallbladder Stones
Along with a healthy diet, there are some foods that a patient should avoid if they are struggling with gallbladder stones. Either the consumption of those foods should be reduced to a shallow level, or they should not be consumed at all. The following are the foods that a gallbladder stone patient should avoid:
- Avoid processed foods: Fast food, fried foods & high-fat food.
- Avoid consuming high-fat dairy products: Whole Milk, Cheese & Butter.
- Limit sugar food intake: candies, cakes, cookies, dairy products, and even yogurt.
- Limit the intake of carbohydrates: Bread, milk, beans, soft drinks, and caffeine.
- Avoid Caffeine, Alcohol, and carbonated fluids.
How To Prevent Gallbladder Stones?
Hydration
The most common and most effective solution to prevent gallbladder stones includes hydration. You must have often heard your people or elders say drinking too much water melts the stones. In many ways, this is true, but in some ways, like those with large gallstones or very complex symptoms, hydration does not have much effect on them.
However, drinking more water reduces the risk of stone formation, dissolves small gallstones, and eliminates them from your body. Drinking at least eight glasses of water daily will optimize the cellular composition in your body, which can eliminate the smaller gallbladder stones by deducting the concentration of stone formation.
Dietary Changes
The diet also plays a vital role in dissolving gallbladder stones naturally. A patient should give primary value to a low-fat diet in their lifestyle. A Low Fat diet consumption should reduce cholesterol in the liver.
A factor in 80% of gallbladder stone cases is cholesterol, which is increased when a person consumes Fatty foods, which include fast food, fried food, processed meat, and high-fat dairy products.
They should be reduced to zero by keeping an eye on the limit of their consumption so that the cholesterol level in the body can be reduced and small gallbladder stones can be eliminated.
Along with this, the patient should consume high-fiber food such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, which will play an essential role in the person’s digestion and will manage the cholesterol composition by inhibiting the cholesterol production in the gallbladder.
Avoid Sudden Weight Loss
Often, people do not like to be overweight, and those people who are already overweight want to lose weight instantly. Without overviewing any side effects, they get involved in the process of weight loss; due to this, one has to face weight loss, which becomes the reason behind the formation of gallstones.
This is because the amount of cholesterol in your body will remain the same, but your health will decrease, and that cholesterol will not be wholly absorbed in the gallbladder, due to which sudden weight loss can cause gallbladder stones.
Apart from hydration and diet modification, some other lifestyle factors can stimulate the development of gallbladder stones. You should continuously follow some lifestyle factors, which are as follows:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Avoid smoking
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Increase Fiber in food
- Eat smaller meals
How To Get Rid Of Gallbladder Stones?
Suppose you want to get rid of gallbladder stones. In that case, you should develop regular visits to your health care professional, do regular checkups, and monitor visualization of your gallbladder so that there are no problems associated with gallbladder and other issues.
Moreover, you can use natural remedies according to the size of gallstones. While using any natural remedy, take preventive measures against gallstones. Perform regular exercise, maintain a healthy weight, and look towards your optimistic diet.
FAQ
Answer: Gallstones are solid particles that form in the gallbladder, often composed of cholesterol or bilirubin.
Answer: Gallstones can form due to an imbalance in the substances that make up bile, leading to the crystallization of cholesterol or bilirubin.
Answer: Common symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, bloating, and discomfort after meals.
Answer: While not all gallstones can be prevented, maintaining a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and avoiding rapid weight loss can reduce the risk.
Answer: Diagnosis often involves imaging tests like ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI to visualize the gallbladder and detect the presence of stones.
Answer: Treatment options include lifestyle changes, medications to dissolve stones, or surgical procedures such as cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal).
Answer: Some natural remedies, such as a diet rich in fiber and low in fat, along with regular exercise, may help manage gallstones. However, it’s essential to consult with’a healthcare professional.
Answer: Yes, complications can include inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis), blockage of the bile duct, or pancreatitis.
Answer: Recovery time after gallbladder removal surgery varies, but many people can resume normal activities within a week.
Answer: Yes, the gallbladder is not essential for survival, and people can lead a normal life after its removal. The body adjusts to the absence of the gallbladder.
Answer: Once the gallbladder is removed, gallstones do not return. However, bile may still form small crystals, but they usually do not cause issues.