Gallbladder Stones
Gallbladder Stones (Condition)
Overview
The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located beneath the liver on the right side of the abdomen. Its primary function is to store bile—a digestive fluid produced by the liver that helps break down fats and eliminate waste products such as cholesterol and bilirubin.
When there is an imbalance in bile components, particularly cholesterol or bilirubin, gallbladder stones (gallstones) can form. These stones vary in size from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball. They may remain silent for years or lead to painful and serious complications such as cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder).
Under the care of Dr. Sachin Ambekar, Director of Minimal Access Surgery and Medical Director at MASSH Hospital, gallbladder stone disease is treated using advanced diagnostic tools and minimally invasive surgical techniques for safe and effective outcomes.
What Are Gallbladder Stones?
Gallbladder stones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid that form inside the gallbladder. When bile contains excessive cholesterol or bilirubin, or when the gallbladder does not empty properly, stones can develop and grow over time.
Types of Gallstones
Pigment Stones
- Dark brown or black in color
- Composed mainly of bilirubin
- Common in liver disease, sickle cell anemia, and blood disorders
Cholesterol Stones
- Yellow-green in color
- Primarily made of undissolved cholesterol
- Account for nearly 80% of all gallstones
Signs & Symptoms
- Upper right abdominal pain (often after fatty meals)
- Fever or chills
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Itchy skin
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Rapid heartbeat
- Abdominal bloating
- Confusion or weakness
Causes
- Excess cholesterol in bile
- High bilirubin levels
- Gallbladder stasis (incomplete emptying)
Risk Factors
Demographic Factors
- Women (especially during pregnancy or estrogen therapy)
- Age above 40 years
- Certain ethnic backgrounds
Medical Conditions
- Obesity or rapid weight loss
- Diabetes or high triglycerides
- Liver disease or Crohn’s disease
Lifestyle Factors
- High-fat, low-fiber diet
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Prolonged fasting
Possible Complications
- Biliary colic
- Cholecystitis
- Pancreatitis
- Cholangitis
- Gallbladder cancer (rare)
Diagnosis
Clinical Evaluation
- Detailed medical history
- Physical examination
Imaging & Tests
- Abdominal Ultrasound
- Blood Tests
- CT Scan
- HIDA Scan
- MRI / MRCP
- Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)
- ERCP
Treatment Management
3D Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
The most effective and permanent treatment for symptomatic gallstones.
- Minimal pain
- Faster recovery
- Smaller scars
- Shorter hospital stay
ERCP
Used when gallstones are lodged in the bile duct. Allows removal without open surgery.
Open Cholecystectomy
Reserved for complex or emergency cases.
Why You Should Not Delay Treatment
- Pain can occur anytime
- Risk of severe infection
- Life-threatening complications
- Emergency surgery is riskier
- Daily life disruption
- Better recovery with early treatment
Why Choose Dr. Sachin Ambekar
- Advanced 3D Minimal Access Surgery
- Expertise in complex laparoscopic procedures
- Personalized patient care
- Available across Delhi, Noida & Ludhiana
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do gallbladder stones cause fatigue and dizziness?
Yes, especially if bile ducts are blocked or infection develops.
2. When should I consult a doctor?
Seek medical attention if you experience sudden upper-right abdominal pain.
3. Can gallstones be prevented?
Maintain healthy weight, avoid rapid weight loss, and follow a balanced diet.
4. Are gallbladder stones dangerous?
Silent stones may not need treatment, but painful stones require prompt evaluation.