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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

The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ sitting right beneath your liver. It stores bile, a component that helps digest fat. When you have had a fatty meal, the gallbladder releases the bile into your small intestine for smooth digestion. Too much cholesterol or bilirubin in the bile are the common cause of gallstones.

You may need gallstone treatment in Navi Mumbai if you experience abdominal pain with nausea, vomiting, bloating, gas, and indigestion. The question is, what causes gallstones? Are they preventable? Let’s find out.

Causes of Gallstones

Here are the common causes of gallstones.

1. Excessive Cholesterol

Bile contains cholesterol, bile salts, and other substances. They are present in balanced amounts. However, too much cholesterol in the bile doesn’t get dissolved properly and starts crystallizing. When your liver continues to release more cholesterol than your bile can handle, the crystals continue to form and might stick together, turning into gallstones. 

So, what causes a high amount of cholesterol in bile? A few common conditions linked to excess cholesterol in bile include diabetes, obesity, high-fat diets, and hormonal changes.

2. Excessive Bilirubin

Your body releases bilirubin, a yellow pigment, which is released when your red blood cells break down. Bilirubin goes to the liver and is excreted into bile, and is finally released from your body through the stools. 

When your body produces more bilirubin than the bile can handle, it starts forming tiny crystals. Liver cirrhosis, infection of the bile duct, and blood disorders are linked to too much bilirubin production.

3. Inefficient Gallbladder Emptying

The bile stored in your gallbladder is released after meals, especially after fatty meals. When your gallbladder doesn’t empty properly, or bile stays there for a prolonged period, it can thicken and become concentrated. As a result, the small substances in the bile can stick together to form gallbladder stones. Common causes include drastic weight loss, pregnancy, prolonged fasting, and severe illness.

Symptoms of Gallstones

So, how do you know if you have gallstones? Many people have silent gallstones, i.e., they don’t experience any symptoms at all. It’s only when these stones block your bile duct that the symptoms start showing up. Here’s what patients experience:

Sharp pain in the upper abdomen

Pain traveling to the back or right shoulder

Bloating or indigestion, especially after having a fatty meal

Nausea and vomiting

If it progresses into an infection or inflammation, more serious symptoms can occur. This includes fever, jaundice, and persistent pain.

Can You Prevent Gallstones?

Some lifestyle choices can mitigate your risk of developing gallstones in the first place, but before you go ahead, note that not all types of gallstones can be prevented.

Maintain a healthy Weight: Obesity increases cholesterol in bile. Avoid losing too much weight too quickly, as that also increases the risk of gallstones. Aim for slow and steady weight loss.

Eat Right: Lean proteins, fiber, and healthy fats are the best food choices for your gallbladder.

Physical Activity: Movement helps with digestion, reduces bad cholesterol, and helps maintain a healthy weight.