When Is Surgery Required for Gallstones?

Expert Care at MaAx Super Speciality Hospital, Shivamogga

Gallstones are a common digestive condition affecting people of all ages. While many individuals live with gallstones without symptoms, others experience painful complications that require medical treatment.

At MaAx Super Speciality Hospital, Shivamogga, our experienced surgeons provide advanced diagnosis and minimally invasive gallstone treatment to ensure safe and effective outcomes.

What Are Gallstones?

Gallstones are hard, pebble-like deposits that form in the gallbladder — a small organ beneath the liver that stores bile used for fat digestion.

• Excess cholesterol in bile
• Incomplete gallbladder emptying
• Imbalance in bile salts

Types of gallstones include:

• Cholesterol stones (most common)
• Pigment stones (bilirubin-based)

Symptoms of Gallstones

Many gallstones remain symptom-free. Problems occur when a stone blocks a bile duct.

• Sudden pain in the upper right abdomen
• Pain radiating to the back or right shoulder
• Nausea and vomiting
• Indigestion after fatty meals
• Bloating
• Fever (infection)
• Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)

When Is Surgery Needed for Gallstones?

1. Recurrent Gallbladder Attacks
   Frequent severe abdominal pain suggests repeated bile blockage and increases infection risk.
2. Acute Cholecystitis (Gallbladder Infection)
   Symptoms include severe pain, fever, chills, and abdominal tenderness.
3. Gallstone Pancreatitis
   Occurs when stones block the pancreatic duct, causing pancreatic inflammation.
4. Jaundice from Bile Duct Obstruction
   Yellowing of skin and eyes due to blocked bile flow.
5. Gallbladder Damage
   Chronic inflammation may shrink or thicken the gallbladder wall.
6. Porcelain Gallbladder
   Calcium deposits harden the gallbladder wall, increasing cancer risk.

Types of Gallstone Surgery

The standard treatment is Cholecystectomy — removal of the gallbladder.

• Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
  Minimally invasive, less pain, faster recovery, shorter hospital stay.
• Open Cholecystectomy
  Reserved for complex cases when laparoscopy is not feasible.

Life Without a Gallbladder

Living without a gallbladder is safe. Bile flows directly from the liver to the intestine. Some patients may experience temporary diarrhea or fat digestion issues, which improve with diet.

Diagnosis Before Surgery

• Ultrasound scan
• Blood tests
• CT or MRI if required
• Liver function tests

Recovery After Gallstone Surgery

• Walking on the same day
• Early discharge
• Resume light activities within days
• Follow-up appointments

When Surgery Is NOT Required

• Asymptomatic gallstones
• No pain or complications
• Incidentally discovered stones

Why Choose MaAx Super Speciality Hospital?

• Advanced modular operation theatres
• Experienced laparoscopic surgeons
• 24×7 emergency and ICU support
• Accurate in-house diagnostics
• Patient-focused care approach

Book Your Consultation Today

• 📍 RMR Road, Park Extension, Durgigudi, Shivamogga
• 📞 08182-269400 | 63665-30173
• 🕒 Open 24×7