What Are Gallstones?

Gallstones are solid particles that form when substances in bile — like cholesterol or bilirubin — harden. They can be tiny like grains of sand or as large as a golf ball.

Types of Gallstones

1. Cholesterol gallstones – Most common type, formed due to excess cholesterol.
   
2. Pigment stones – Formed when the body makes too much bilirubin (often due to liver or blood disorders).

Causes of Gallstones

Gallstones form due to multiple factors, including:

• Poor or oily diet
• High cholesterol
• Excess body weight
• Rapid crash dieting
• Genetic factors
• Sedentary lifestyle

Hormonal changes, especially in women

Risk?

• Above 40 years old
• Female (especially after pregnancy)
• Overweight or obese
• Diabetic
• Following a high-fat diet
• Have a family history of gallstones

Symptoms of Gallbladder Stones

• Sudden sharp pain in the right upper abdomen
• Pain radiating to the back or shoulder
• Nausea, vomiting, or bitter taste in the mouth
• Gas, acidity, and indigestion

Complications of Gallstones

If untreated, gallstones can cause:

• Cholecystitis – gallbladder inflammation
• Jaundice – blockage of bile ducts
• Pancreatitis – life-threatening inflammation of pancreas
• Gallbladder infection – requires urgent surgery

Diagnosis of Gallstones

At Siddhi Vinayak Surgical Hospital, gallstone diagnosis is performed using:

• Ultrasound scan
• Blood tests for liver function
• CT scan
• MRCP (special scan for bile ducts)

These tests help determine stone size, position, and any complications.

Treatment 

1. Conservative Approach

Useful only when stones are small & asymptomatic (rarely recommended long-term).

2. Medications

Medicines can dissolve stones — but only very small ones and takes years.

3. Surgery — Best & Permanent Treatment

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal) is the gold standard treatment.

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy – Keyhole Surgery

This minimally invasive surgery involves removing the gallbladder through 3-4 small cuts.

Benefits:

• No big scars
• Less pain
• Faster recovery
• Same-day or next-day discharge

Quick return to normal activity

After Gallbladder Surgery

Most patients live a completely normal life without the gallbladder.

Post-surgery tips:

• Avoid oily food initially
• Eat small meals
• Stay hydrated
• Gradually return to daily activity