Unveiling the mystery: How gallstones are treated

Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is the best choice of treatment for gallstones with severe signs and symptoms, disrupting one’s life style. It is time-saving and minimally invasive. Gallstones, while often small, can cause significant discomfort and even severe health issues if left untreated. The good news is that there are various effective treatments available for managing gallstones. In this blog, we will delve into the world of gallstone treatment options, shedding light on the approaches that healthcare professionals use to help individuals find relief from this common digestive woe.

Understanding Gallstones: Gallstones are solid particles that form in the gallbladder, a small organ beneath the liver. These stones can vary in size and composition, and they develop when there is an imbalance in the substances that make up bile – a digestive fluid produced by the liver. Gallstones are some stone like hard depositions in the gallbladder made out of Cholesterol, salt and Bilirubin (made out of destructed blood cells). Being a very common condition, gallstones vary a lot in size whereas some can be as small as a particle of sand where others can be as large as apples.

Here are the Gallstone Treatment Options:

Watchful Waiting: In some cases, especially if the gallstones are small and asymptomatic, a healthcare provider may adopt a watchful waiting approach. Regular monitoring without intervention is chosen, and lifestyle changes may be recommended to manage symptoms.

Medications: Certain medications may be prescribed to dissolve cholesterol gallstones. Ursodiol, for example, is a medication that helps to dissolve cholesterol in bile, preventing the formation of new stones and gradually shrinking existing ones. However, this process can take months to years, and the stones may return once the medication is stopped.

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Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: The most common and widely adopted treatment for gallstones is surgery to remove the gallbladder, known as laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This minimally invasive procedure involves making small incisions in the abdomen to insert a tiny camera and specialized tools, allowing the surgeon to remove the gallbladder. Patients typically experience a quicker recovery with less pain compared to traditional open surgery.

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): For individuals who cannot undergo surgery, or those with certain types of gallstones, ERCP may be recommended. This procedure involves passing a thin tube down the throat into the small intestine, where a dye is injected into the bile ducts. Specialized tools can then be used to extract or break down gallstones.

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): ESWL is a non-invasive procedure that uses shock waves to break gallstones into smaller fragments, making it easier for the body to eliminate them naturally. This method is less commonly used for gallstones but may be considered in specific cases.

The main surgical treatments available for Gallbladder removal

Gall bladder laparoscopic surgery – A keyhole surgery performed under general anesthesia, which will only take 60-90 minutes.
Patients will be fully recovered after about 10 days.

Single-incision keyhole surgery – Latest type of keyhole surgery where the gallbladder will be removed by making only one hole on the abdomen.

Open surgery – A cut-open type surgery indicated in pregnant mothers in their third trimester, extremely overweight and unusual anatomical structure of gallbladder or surrounding structures which might make the surgery difficult.

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Endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP) – Removes only the stones from the gallbladder without removing the entire organ.

Dr. Dhanesh Agrahari is a Senior Consultant - General Surgery, Laparoscopic Surgery with a super specialized degree (M.Ch) in - Pediatric Surgery and  Pediatric Urology & Co Founder of Phoenix Hospital, Allahabad.His area of expertise ranges from Pediatric General Surgical conditions and Laparoscopic Surgery to Pediatric Urological conditions. Patients without symptoms yet diagnosed with gallstones, coincidentally in ultra-sound scans, the concept of ‘active monitoring’ is recommended. This method doesn’t involve any immediate treatment, but prompt medical advice should be sought as soon as you notice unusual presentations like yellowish discoloration of the skin or mucosal membranes (obstruction by gallstones). Gallstone treatment options are diverse, allowing healthcare professionals to tailor their approach based on the individual's condition and needs. Whether through surgery, medications, or less invasive procedures, the goal is to relieve symptoms, prevent complications, and improve overall digestive health. If you suspect you have gallstones or are experiencing symptoms, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plan. Remember, effective treatment can pave the way for a healthier and more comfortable life.