Your gallbladder is a small pear-shaped organ that sits beneath the liver. Its main role is to store bile, which helps break down fat. Sometimes, the bile components can harden and form pebble-like growth inside the gallbladder. These are called gallstones.
It may sound concerning, but gallstone treatment in Navi Mumbai is highly effective and is usually recommended when these stones start causing symptoms. In this post, we’ve shared some common treatment options for gallstones.
Does Everyone with a Gallstone Need Treatment?
Many people have asymptomatic gallstones. Others, however, experience noticeable symptoms, some of which affect their quality of life. If symptoms occur, they include bloating, pain in the upper right abdomen, nausea, and vomiting.
Some people experience abdominal discomfort after a heavy meal. The question is, when should you seek medical treatment for gallstones? Here’s what requires prompt medical attention:
- Intense abdominal pain that persists for hours and doesn’t get better
- Signs of jaundice, such as a yellowish tint on the skin and eyes
- High-grade fever with chills
If you have been getting frequent gallstone pain with other symptoms, pain relief and dietary changes might not be enough. It’s important to see a healthcare specialist to discuss a suitable treatment option.
Treatment for Gallstones
You may not need gallstone treatment if it doesn’t cause discomfort. If the symptoms are present, the most effective treatment option is a surgical removal of the gallbladder, also called cholecystectomy. Here’s a detailed look at cholecystectomy and how it’s performed.
1. Surgical Removal of Gallbladder
Many patients are concerned about a life without a gallbladder. Fortunately, you can live without a gallbladder. Your liver does its job of producing bile. However, instead of being stored, it will flow directly from the liver to the small intestines. The surgery is often performed laparoscopically, which involves a tiny cut through which the instruments are inserted into the abdomen.
Since it involves small incisions, laparoscopic cholecystectomy doesn’t cause significant scarring. It involves shorter hospital stay, less pain, and lower risk of post-surgical complications than traditional open surgery. You are encouraged to walk the same day as the surgery. Expect a discharge within 24 hours or 1-2 days.
2. Medications for Gallstone Removal
Medications that dissolve gallstones are not a standard treatment choice. It’s reserved for patients who are not medically fit to undergo surgery. Medication can help dissolve certain stones, especially the ones made of cholesterol, but these may take a long time to work. Sometimes, it doesn’t work.
Even if it does, stopping medication can cause the gallstones to return. Shock wave therapy is another treatment option, but it’s rarely considered for gallstone removal. Overall, a general surgeon in Navi Mumbai recommends a surgical removal of the gallbladder to prevent the risk of recurrence.
Conclusion
If you experience abdominal pain with bloating and nausea, it’s worth getting checked by a general physician. Cholecystectomy is considered an ideal treatment choice for gallstones. Consult a Dr Anil Deshpande for more details about the surgery and recovery.
