Gallbladder Stones (Gallstones) Treatment

Gallbladder stones form either a single big stone or multiple small ones. Most of the time, the patient will not even realize having gallstones as gallstones may not show symptoms. But if diagnosed, doctors will suggest treatment within a month or two. If the patient doesn’t get treatment for gallstones then it may lead to further complications. This can be life threatening. Hence, it is important to treat the gallstones as early as possible.

There are two possible options to treat the Gallbladder Stones. They are Non-Surgical (Gallbladder Stones Treatment without Surgery) and Surgical (Cholecystectomy) options.

Gallbladder Stones Treatment without Surgery

After the diagnosis of gallstones, patients usually ask for non-surgical process. But doctor will rarely suggest or opt for non-surgical treatment. This is because non-surgical treatment might take a long time. And sometimes there is a risk of Gallbladder Stones forming again. In some cases, medications might end up worsening the condition. The non-surgical options available are:

1. Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

Sometimes the doctor may prefer Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). In this process, surgeon will combine x-rays and upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy to remove the gallstones. If gall stones are stuck in bile duct then surgeons will prefer ERCP.

2. Dissolving Gallbladder stones through medications.

Since medications are only effective against small stones, doctors rarely advise patients to take medications. These small stones form because of cholesterol. Surgeon may prescribe medications to break up small stones. But, it might take months or years to do so. If the medications are stopped, then there is a chance of the reformation of gallstones.

Surgery to remove Gallbladder (Cholecystectomy)

Non-surgical methods for gallstones are mostly ineffective. Some medications can further complicate the condition by increasing the size of gallstones instead of decreasing it. So surgery is one of the best options to treat gallstones. In surgery, surgeon removes the entire gallbladder. There are two ways to remove gallbladder and they are:

1. Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

In this type of surgery, the surgeon will remove gallbladder through laparoscopic surgery. Gallbladder Stone Surgeon will make four incisions of 1 cm size and then remove the gallbladder. Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy is mostly a day-care procedure. This means the patient can return home on the same day of surgery. In some situations the patient might have to stay back for further supervision.

An abdomen of adult Asian female patient with Waterproof Transparent Dressing after Cholecystectomy or Laparoscopic Gallbladder Surgery for gallstones removal.

2. Open Cholecystectomy

If the gallbladder is severely infected, inflamed or scarred from other operations then the doctor will suggest open Cholecystectomy. This might be a follow up surgery after Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy and will be done if complications may arise. The doctor may keep the patient in the hospital for up to a week for supervision, after which the patient is free to go home.

We at Medfin , the Surgery expert team, offer you access to the latest and most advanced treatment for elective surgeries at the most affordable costs. Our Personal Medfin assistants answer all your concerns related to surgery and ensure that your needs are met in your entire medical journey.

To consult an expert Medfin surgeon near you, please call us on 7026200200. You can also WhatsApp us on 7406557599 (click here to initiate a whatsapp chat).

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