Why Should Gallstone Surgery Be Done? A Simple Guide for Patients

Gallstones are solid stones that form inside the gallbladder. Many people feel fine initially, but once gallstones start causing symptoms, surgery is the safest and most permanent solution. Reach out to Dr. Ghosh, Sr. Consultant Laparoscopic Surgeon, to know more!

Common Problems Caused by Gallstones

1. Recurrent Abdominal Pain

• Pain in the right upper abdomen

• Often occurs after fatty or heavy meals

• Pain may spread to the back or right shoulder

➡️ Once this pain starts, it usually keeps coming back and may become more severe.

2. Gallbladder Infection (Acute Cholecystitis)

Gallstones can block the gallbladder and cause infection, leading to:

• Severe continuous pain

• Fever

• Vomiting

➡️ This is an emergency condition, and delayed treatment can be dangerous.

3. Stones Entering the Bile Duct – A Serious Risk

Gallstones can slip into the bile duct and cause:

• Jaundice (yellow eyes and skin)

• Cholangitis (severe infection)

• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)

➡️ These conditions can be life-threatening and may require ICU care.

4. Permanent Damage to the Gallbladder

Long-standing gallstones can make the gallbladder:

• Thickened and scarred

• Contracted and non-functional

➡️ Surgery becomes more difficult if delayed too long.

Why Surgery Is the Best Treatment

• Medicines cannot permanently remove gallstones

• Diet changes may reduce symptoms but do not cure the problem

• Surgery removes the gallbladder and prevents future attacks

➡️ Surgery is the only definitive and permanent treatment.

Benefits of Planned (Early) Surgery

Planned Surgery	Emergency Surgery
Lower risk	Higher risk
Mostly laparoscopic	May need open surgery
Short hospital stay	Longer recovery
Faster return to normal life	More complications

How Is the Surgery Done?

• Procedure: Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

• 3–4 small keyhole cuts

• Surgery time: ~45–60 minutes

• Hospital stay: 1–2 days

• Back to normal activities: 7–10 days

The body functions normally without a gallbladder.

When Is Surgery Strongly Recommended?

✔ Recurrent gallstone pain✔ Gallbladder infection✔ Jaundice or pancreatitis due to stones✔ Diabetic patients with gallstones

Final Message for Patients

Gallstones do not dissolve or disappear on their own. Treating them early with planned surgery is safer than waiting for an emergency.

If you have gallstones and symptoms, timely surgery can protect you from serious complications and give lasting relief.

For further guidance, please make an appointment with Dr. Ghosh now!