Overview
What are gallstones?
Gallstones are small stones that form inside the gallbladder. The gallbladder is an organ under your liver. It helps your body digest fat. Gallstones can be very small like a grain of sand, or big like a golf ball.
How serious are gallstones?
Some gallstones cause no problems. But sometimes, they block tubes in your body and cause strong pain or other health problems. These gallbladder stones can be dangerous. In such cases, you might need surgery.
Gallstones Types
There are two main types of gallstones:
- Cholesterol stones: Made mostly of fat (cholesterol). Most common type.
- Pigment stones: Made of waste products from blood.
How common are gallstones (cholelithiasis)?
Gallstones are very common. Many people have them and don’t even know. Some people get sick because of them.
Symptoms and Causes
What are gallstones symptoms?
Gallstones can cause:
- Strong pain in the stomach
- Nausea (feeling like you want to vomit)
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Yellow skin or eyes (called jaundice)
What is gallstone pain like?
It feels sharp and strong. Some people say it is worse than childbirth or a heart attack.
Where is gallstone pain located?
You usually feel pain in the upper right part of your stomach, near your ribs. It can also move to your back or shoulder.
Are gallstones symptoms different in a female?
Symptoms are mostly the same for males and females. But women get gallstones more often than men.
What triggers gallstone pain?
Pain often happens after eating fatty foods, like pizza, fries, or ice cream.
What are the important warning signs of gallstones?
- Sharp pain in your upper right belly
- Pain after eating fatty food
- Fever
- Yellow skin or eyes
- Dark urine (pee)
If you have these signs, see a doctor fast.
What are the possible complications of having gallstones?
If not treated, gallstones can cause:
- Infection
- Inflammation of the gallbladder
- Pancreatitis (painful swelling of the pancreas)
- Serious liver problems
Can gallstones make you tired and dizzy?
Not usually. But if they cause infection, you might feel weak or dizzy.
What causes gallstones?
Gallstones form when:
- There is too much cholesterol in your bile
- Your gallbladder doesn’t empty well
What risk factors contribute to gallstones (cholelithiasis)?
You are more likely to get gallstones if you:
- Are female
- Are over 40 years old
- Are overweight
- Are pregnant
- Eat a lot of fatty foods
- Have diabetes
Diagnosis and Tests
How are gallstones diagnosed?
Doctors listen to your symptoms and do tests to see if you have gallstones.
What tests can detect gallstones?
- Ultrasound (a test that uses sound waves to see inside your body)
- MRI (MRCP)
- Blood tests
Management and Treatment
What is the treatment for gallstones?
If gallstones cause no problems, you may not need treatment. If you have pain, doctors may recommend surgery.
Medications
Some medicines can dissolve small gallstones. But this takes months or years and doesn’t always work.
What is gall stones surgery?
The most common and safest treatment is surgery. It is called cholecystectomy — removing the gallbladder. You don’t need a gallbladder to live a normal life.
Today, most gallbladder surgeries are done using a method called laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
What is Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy?
- The surgeon makes 3 or 4 very small cuts (keyhole size) in your belly.
- A thin tube with a small camera (called a laparoscope) is put through one cut.
- The surgeon uses small tools through the other cuts to remove the gallbladder.
- The surgeon sees everything on a video screen.
This way, the gallbladder is removed safely without making a big cut.
Advantages of Laparoscopic Surgery over Open Surgery
- Smaller cuts: Only tiny cuts, not a big one.
- Less pain: Most people feel less pain after surgery.
- Faster recovery: Most patients go home the same day or next day.
- Quicker return to normal life: You can usually start normal activities within 1-2 weeks.
- Less scarring: Only small scars that are hardly seen.
- Lower risk of infection: Small cuts heal faster and are safer.
Is Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Safe?
Yes, it is very safe.
- It is one of the most common surgeries done worldwide.
- Serious problems are rare.
- Surgeons at Shri Tirupati Hospital are well trained and use modern techniques to make sure the surgery is very safe.
- Even older people and patients with other health issues usually do very well.
If for any reason the laparoscopic method cannot be done safely during surgery, the surgeon may change to open surgery, which is still safe.
Prevention
How can I prevent gallstones from forming?
- Eat healthy foods
- Stay at a healthy weight
- Exercise
- Avoid losing weight too fast
Outlook / Prognosis
What is my prognosis after treatment for gallstones (cholelithiasis)?
Most people feel much better after treatment. If you have surgery, you can live a normal, healthy life.
Is gallstone removal surgery painful?
During surgery, you are asleep (under anaesthesia). After surgery, you may have mild pain for few days, but medicines help.
What is the recovery period after gallstone surgery?
Most people go home the same day or the next day. You can return to normal activities in 3-4 days.
Are there any dietary changes after gallstone surgery?
Eat a healthy, low-fat diet after surgery for a few days. After few days you can return to normal diet.
What is gallstones surgery (cholecystectomy) side effects?
There are no side effects of surgery. The gallbladder when diseased is not working. Your body can resume normal functioning after surgery.
Living With
Do gallstones ever go away on their own?
Small gallstones sometimes pass without causing problems. But often they stay and may cause pain later.
Can gallstones be dissolved?
Some medicines can dissolve small gallstones. But this takes months or years and doesn’t always work.
How do you pass gallstones in your poop?
Gallstones that pass naturally go out in your poop. This is rare and can be painful.
How does it feel to pass a gallstone?
It can feel very painful, like sharp cramps.
Can you pass gallstones in your pee?
No. Gallstones only pass through your poop, not your pee.
When should I see my healthcare provider about gallstones?
See a doctor if you have strong stomach pain, fever, or yellow skin or eyes.
FAQ
Why are women more susceptible to developing gallstones?
Female hormones can increase cholesterol in bile. This makes stones more likely.
Is surgery a necessary treatment for cholelithiasis?
If gallstones cause pain or complications, surgery is usually the best and safest option.
Are cholelithiasis and gallstones the same?
Yes. “Cholelithiasis” is the medical word for having gallstones.
Are gallstones dangerous?
Yes, gallstones can be serious if they cause complications. So, it’s best to treat them before complications occur.
What is the cost of gallstone surgery (cholecystectomy)?
The cost of gallstone surgery (cholecystectomy) can vary depending on factors like the type of procedure and your specific needs. While we can’t give an exact price without more details, we encourage you to visit us for a consultation. We’ll provide you with an affordable, transparent estimate and ensure you receive the best care within your budget. Your health and comfort are our priority—reach out to schedule your visit today.
Can I get cashless treatment for gallstones (cholelithiasis)?
Yes, we offer cashless treatment options for gallstones through various insurance providers. This means you can focus on your recovery without worrying about upfront payments. To learn more and see if your insurance is eligible, we invite you to visit our hospital. Our team will assist you with the process and ensure a smooth, hassle-free experience for your treatment.
Can I start gym after gallstones surgery (cholecystectomy)?
Yes, generally you start mild exercises after 1-2 weeks and heavy exercises after 1-2 months.
Care at Shri Tirupati Hospital
Are you searching for best hospital near me? At Shri Tirupati Hospital, we help you feel better with expert care. We can diagnose and treat gallstones safely.
Related Video
Watch our video on gallstones: causes, symptoms, and treatments.
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