Gallstones are hard, pebble-like deposits that form inside the gallbladder, a small organ located beneath your liver. Your gallbladder's main job is to store bile, a digestive fluid. Gallstones can range in size from a grain of sand to a golf ball.
While many people have "silent" gallstones with no symptoms, they can cause sudden, intense pain and serious complications if they block a bile duct. At Nova Hospital, we specialize in providing definitive and minimally invasive solutions to relieve your pain and prevent future problems.
What Causes Gallstones?
Gallstones form when there is an imbalance in the substances that make up bile. Common risk factors include:
- High Cholesterol in Bile: If your liver excretes more cholesterol than your bile can dissolve, it can form into crystals and then stones.
- High Bilirubin in Bile: Conditions like liver cirrhosis and certain blood disorders can cause the liver to make too much bilirubin, contributing to stone formation.
- Improper Gallbladder Emptying: If your gallbladder doesn't empty completely or often enough, bile may become very concentrated, forming stones.
- Other Risk Factors: Being female, over the age of 40, being overweight, and rapid weight loss can increase your risk.
Common Symptoms of Gallstones
A "gallstone attack" can be extremely painful. Key symptoms to watch for include:
- Sudden and rapidly intensifying pain in the upper right part of your abdomen.
- Pain in the center of your abdomen, just below your breastbone.
- Back pain between your shoulder blades.
- Pain in your right shoulder.
- Nausea or vomiting.
Seek immediate medical care if you develop a high fever, chills, or yellowing of your skin and eyes (jaundice), as these can be signs of a serious complication.
Accurate Diagnosis for Gallstones at Nova Hospital
A precise diagnosis is the first step towards effective treatment. Our experienced surgeons use the latest diagnostic tools.
- Consultation and Physical Exam: Our specialist will discuss your symptoms and perform a physical examination.
- Abdominal Ultrasound: This is the most common and effective test for finding gallstones. It's a quick, painless, and non-invasive imaging test.
- Blood Tests: These can help identify signs of infection, jaundice, or other complications caused by gallstones.
- CT Scan: In some cases, a CT scan may be used to get a more detailed view of your gallbladder and bile ducts.
Advanced Gallbladder Stone Treatment in Meerut
For symptomatic gallstones, the most effective and permanent treatment is the surgical removal of the gallbladder, a procedure called a cholecystectomy.
Laparoscopic Gallbladder Surgery (Cholecystectomy)
At Nova Hospital, we specialize in laparoscopic gallbladder surgery in Meerut, a minimally invasive technique that has become the gold standard for treatment. The benefits are significant:
- Minimal Scarring: The surgery is performed through 3-4 tiny incisions instead of one large cut.
- Less Pain: Patients experience significantly less post-operative pain.
- Faster Recovery: You can return to your normal activities much sooner.
- Shorter Hospital Stay: Most patients go home within 24-48 hours.
Meet Our Experts in this Field
Why Choose Nova for Gallstone Surgery in Meerut?
When you need a surgical solution, choosing the right hospital and surgeon is critical. Nova Hospital is a leader in gallbladder care.
- Expert General & Laparoscopic Surgeons: Our team includes the best surgeons for gallstone surgery in Meerut, with extensive experience in minimally invasive techniques.
- State-of-the-Art Surgical Facilities: We have modern operation theatres equipped with the latest high-definition laparoscopic technology.
- Patient-Focused Care: We prioritize your comfort, from pre-surgical consultation to post-operative recovery support.
- 24/7 Emergency Services: Our emergency department is fully prepared to handle acute gallstone attacks and related complications at any time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Usually, no. If your gallstones are "silent" and were discovered incidentally, your doctor may recommend a "watch and wait" approach. Surgery is typically only necessary for symptomatic gallstones.
Yes, absolutely. Your gallbladder is a storage organ, not an essential one. After it's removed, bile flows directly from your liver into your small intestine. Your digestion will function normally, though some people may notice minor changes in bowel habits which usually resolve over time.
Most patients are discharged from the hospital in 1-2 days. You can typically return to desk work and light activities within a week, and full recovery takes about 2-3 weeks.
Yes, it is a very safe and routine procedure when performed by an experienced surgeon. The risks are very low and significantly less than with traditional open surgery.
While some medications exist to dissolve certain types of gallstones, they are not very effective, can take years to work, and the stones often return once the medication is stopped. Surgery remains the definitive treatment.
You can schedule an appointment with our expert general and laparoscopic surgeons by calling our hospital helpline at +91-70550 06662.