Complications of gallbladder stones (cholelithiasis):

The complications of gallstones can include:

• Acute cholecystitis :

  This is an inflammation of the gallbladder. It is the most common complication of gallstones. Acute cholecystitis can cause intense pain in the upper right abdomen, nausea, vomiting, and fever.

• Ascending cholangitis :

  This is an infection of the bile ducts. It can happen when a gallstone blocks the bile duct and bacteria are able to grow in the thick bile. Ascending cholangitis can cause fever, chills, jaundice, and pain in the upper right abdomen.

• Pancreatitis :

  This is an inflammation of the pancreas. It can happen when a gallstone blocks the pancreatic duct and pancreatic enzymes are unable to flow into the small intestine. Pancreatitis can cause extreme pain in the upper abdomen, nausea, vomiting, and fever.

• Gallstone ileus :

  This is a rare complication of gallstones. It happens when a gallstone blocks the small intestine. This can cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort.

• Empyema :

  Sometimes a painful infection can lead to gallbladder empyema. Antibiotics alone do not ever treat these and they may require emergency surgery.

• Gallbladder cancer :

  Gallbladder cancer is a rare cancer that originates from the lining of the gallbladder. It is more likely to happen in individuals who have had gallstones for many years.

If you have gallstones, book an appointment soon with Dr. Uday Ravi for gallbladder stones treatment. These complications can be serious & even life-threatening.

How are gallbladder stones diagnosed?:

Dr. Uday Ravi, the best doctor for gallbladder stone treatment in Bengaluru, will examine you and evaluate your eyes and skin for color changes caused by too much bilirubin in your system.

For an exact diagnosis, he may ask you to undergo a few tests, such as:

• Blood tests
• Abdominal CT scan
• Ultrasound
• Hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scan
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Endoscopic ultrasound
• Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

Gallbladder Stones treatment :

Fig 3. Galbladder Stones

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the most common treatment for gallbladder stones. It is a minimally invasive surgery that involves making a few small incisions in the abdomen. The surgeon then inserts a laparoscope, a thin tube with a camera on the end, into one of the incisions. This permits the surgeon to see inside the abdomen and work on the gallbladder.

During a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the surgeon will remove the gallbladder along with any gallstones. The surgery usually takes about 12 hours and most individuals are able to go home the same day. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a safe and adequate treatment for gallbladder stones. It has a lower risk of complications than open surgery, and most individuals recover quickly.

Fig 4. Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Open cholecystectomy is a surgery to remove the gallbladder stones. It is a larger incision than laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and it is typically used when laparoscopic surgery is not possible or when there are difficulties with laparoscopic surgery. During an open cholecystectomy, the surgeon makes a 4- to 6-inch incision in the abdomen below the ribs on the right side. The muscle and tissue are pulled back to show the liver and gallbladder.

The surgeon then removes the gallbladder and any gallstones that are present. The surgery typically takes about 2 hours and most individuals stay in the clinic for 1-2 days. Open cholecystectomy is a safe and adequate treatment for gallbladder stones. However, it is associated with a longer recovery time and more pain than laparoscopic cholecystectomy. In addition to surgery, there are some other treatment for gallbladder stones that may be considered in certain cases.

Utilizing the state-of-the-art Da Vinci Robotic Surgical System, this advanced technique allows for greater precision and control during surgery. Dr. Uday Ravi, a highly experienced Surgeon, specializes in robotic GI surgeries. The robotic system enhances visualization and allows for intricate movements that can result in less tissue damage and quicker recovery.

Fig 5. Robotic Cholecystectomy

Oral medication is a non-surgical treatment option for gallbladder stones. Medications to dissolve gallbladder stones are rarely utilized and are reserved for those unable to undergo surgery due to other medical issues. Oral medication is not always successful in dissolving gallstones. If the stones do not dissolve, or if they cause symptoms, surgery may be necessary. If you have gallstones, it is important to talk to your doctor about the best treatment options for you. The best gallbladder stone treatment in Bengaluru, depends on the severity of your symptoms and the size and location of the gallstones.

Benefits of Laparoscopic Gallstone Surgery vs Open Surgery:

Here are some of the benefits of laparoscopic cholecystectomy over open cholecystectomy:

• Lower risk of complications
• Faster recovery
• Shorter hospital stay
• Smaller incisions
• No long-term wounds or scars left behind
• Minimal intraoperative bleeding involved

How to prevent Gallstones?:

There is no sure way to prevent gallstones, but there are some things you can do to reduce your risk:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Eat a healthy diet
• Lose weight if you are obese
• Avoid rapid weight loss
• Eat regular meals
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Avoid certain medications
• Get regular exercise