Gallstones

Do Gallstones Always Require Surgery? - Gallbladder Treatment in India

Many people have gallstones that cause no problems. This short explains when they can be left alone and when a surgeon may advise removing the gallbladder.

When surgery is not needed

• No symptoms. Gallstones that are found by chance and do not cause any pain or other problems are often left alone. These are known as silent or asymptomatic gallstones.
• Low risk. If the stones are not causing blockages or inflammation, and you have no symptoms, the risks of surgery may outweigh the benefits.
• Watchful waiting. Your doctor may suggest monitoring your condition rather than operating immediately. This is a common approach for silent gallstones.

When surgery is recommended

• Biliary colic. This is a sudden, severe pain in your upper abdomen that can last for several hours. It is caused by a stone temporarily blocking a bile duct.
• Inflammation. Acute cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder. It causes persistent pain, fever, and requires medical attention.
• Complications. Surgery is advised if a stone moves and blocks other ducts, which can cause jaundice or pancreatitis. These are serious conditions.

What the surgery involves

The operation to remove the gallbladder is called a cholecystectomy.

• Laparoscopic surgery. This is the most common method. The surgeon makes a few small cuts in your abdomen to remove the gallbladder. It is also called keyhole surgery.
• General anaesthetic. The procedure is performed while you are asleep and you will not feel any pain during the operation.
• Recovery time. Most people can go home the same day or the day after keyhole surgery. You can usually return to normal activities within two weeks.

Whether surgery is the right option for you depends on your specific circumstances. A specialist can give you advice after reviewing your medical reports and recent scans.