What Are the Types of Gallstones Treatment?
Treatment for gallstones depends on the type of gallstones, the severity of symptoms, and your overall health. The main options include:
1. Surgical Treatment (Cholecystectomy)
Surgery is the most common and effective treatment for symptomatic gallstones. It involves removing the gallbladder, a non-essential organ, allowing most people to live a healthy life without it.
- Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: This is the preferred method for most patients. It is a minimally invasive surgery where small incisions and special tools are used to remove the gallbladder.
- Open Cholecystectomy:This surgery requires a more extensive abdominal incision. It's usually reserved for cases where the gallbladder is severely inflamed, infected, or scarred, or if complications arise during laparoscopic surgery.
2. Non-Surgical Treatments
These are less common and usually reserved for people who can't undergo surgery. These treatments aim to dissolve the gallstones or break them up. They include:
- Medications: Pharmacological options exist to dissolve cholesterol-based gallstones, but this process can be lengthy, spanning months to years, with a risk of stone recurrence after treatment cessation.
- Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): This procedure involves inserting a thin, flexible tube through the mouth and down into the small intestine to remove stones lodged in the bile ducts.
- Shock Wave Lithotripsy: Shock wave lithotripsy, a technique employing sound waves to fragment gallstones, is an infrequently used treatment option.
How to Prepare for Gallstone Surgery?
If your doctor recommends surgery, preparation is important for a smooth experience and faster healing. Here are some tips to get ready:
- Medical Evaluation: You may need blood tests, imaging (like ultrasound), and a physical exam.
- Share Your Medical History: Let your doctor know about any existing conditions or medications.
- Avoid Certain Medications: Blood thinners and anti-inflammatory drugs may need to be stopped a few days before surgery.
- Follow Fasting Instructions: Do not eat or drink anything 6–8 hours before surgery.
- Arrange for Support: Make sure someone is available to take you home after the procedure.
Our medical team at SCI Hospital will guide you every step of the way.
What is the Cost of Gallstone Treatment in Delhi?
The expenses associated with gallstone treatment can fluctuate based on the chosen treatment method, healthcare facility, and various other elements. SCI Hospitals offer assistance in comprehending and navigating the financial aspects of gallstone treatment.
Various health insurance plans and government schemes may also cover some or all of the expenses. Contact SCI Hospital to discuss your options and learn more about how they can assist you with the financial aspects of treatment.
Post Surgery care
- Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding medications and wound care.
- Eat a light, low-fat diet for a few weeks after surgery.
- Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for about 2–4 weeks.
- Gradually return to normal activities as advised by your doctor.
Our post-operative care team ensures you’re healing well and recovering comfortably.
Risks and Complications of Gallstone Surgery
Gallbladder removal is generally safe, especially with experienced surgeons and modern techniques. However, as with any surgery, there are some risks.
Possible complications may include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Injury to nearby organs or bile ducts
- Reaction to anesthesia
- Bile leakage (rare)
At SCI Hospital, our skilled surgeons use advanced laparoscopic tools and follow strict safety protocols to reduce any risk.
Gallstones Prevention
While gallstones can’t always be prevented, certain lifestyle choices can greatly reduce your risk. Prevention is especially important if you have a family history of gallstones or other risk factors like obesity or diabetes. Tips to Help Prevent Gallstones:
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Being overweight increases your risk of developing gallstones. Try to maintain a healthy body weight through balanced eating and regular exercise.
- Lose Weight Gradually: If you’re trying to lose weight, do it slowly and steadily. Losing weight too quickly can increase the chance of gallstone formation. Aim to lose about 0.5 to 1 kg (1 to 2 pounds) per week.
- Eat a Balanced Diet: To help prevent gallstones, eat a balanced diet rich in fiber (fruits, vegetables, whole grains), lean proteins (like fish and beans), and small amounts of healthy fats (such as olive oil), while avoiding fried foods, unhealthy fats, and refined sugars.
- Don’t Skip Meals: Skipping meals or fasting for long periods can cause imbalances in bile, making gallstone formation more likely. Try to eat regular, well-timed meals each day.
- Stay Active: Regular physical activity helps control weight, improve digestion, and lower your risk of gallstones. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
Conclusion
Gallstones can be painful and disruptive to daily life. While mild cases can be managed with diet and medication, surgery is the most effective and long-term solution for many people. At SCI Hospital in Delhi, we offer trusted care, experienced surgeons, and modern facilities for gallstone treatment.
If you're suffering from gallstone symptoms or have been diagnosed with gallstones, don’t delay treatment. Book a consultation with our experts to explore the best treatment options for you.
Dr. Vishal Dutt Gour
MBBS , MS - General Surgery , MCh - Urology
- Pain Management Specialist
- 22+ Years Years Experience
Dr. Gautam Banga
MBBS, MS - General Surgery, MCh - Urology Urologist, Andrologist, Urological Surgeon
- Pain Management Specialist
- 13+ Years Years Experience
FAQs
Gallbladder removal is a common surgery, but it does require anaesthesia. At SCI Hospital, your comfort and safety are our main concerns. Our surgeons use minimally invasive methods whenever possible. We encourage you to schedule an appointment to discuss your individual needs. You can reach us by phone or through our website for online or offline consultations.
All surgeries have some risks. However, gallbladder removal is generally safe. Serious problems are not common. The experienced surgeons at SCI Hospital use advanced methods and post-surgery care to reduce these risks. Contact SCI Hospital to schedule a consultation and learn more.
Recovery time varies. Most people can return to their normal activities within a few weeks after laparoscopic surgery. Open surgery takes longer to recover from. SCI Hospital will give you detailed instructions to help you recover smoothly. Book an appointment for personalised guidance.
Gallstone size doesn't always determine if surgery is needed. It depends more on whether you have symptoms. Even small gallstones can cause blockages and pain. SCI Hospital can assess your situation and suggest the best approach. Contact us today for a consultation.
Gallstones themselves cannot come back after gallbladder removal. Sometimes, stones may rarely form in the bile ducts. SCI Hospital offers follow-up care to check for and address any new stones. Schedule a consultation at SCI Hospital to discuss this.
If not treated, gallstones can cause problems in your gallbladder, pancreas, or liver. Prompt treatment at SCI Hospital can prevent this. Call us or visit our website to schedule a consultation today.
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Dr. Vishal Dutt Gour is the Consultant Urologist and Male Fertility Specialist at SCI International Hospital. After graduating as a doctor from Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital in Mumbai, Dr. Gour gained his General Surgery and Urology Specialist qualifications from B J Medical College and Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad. He was awarded the Shri Dhirajlal Desai Medal for first in M.Ch (Urology).
