Urology Insights Medically Verified Publication

Gallstones Treatment Options: Surgical and Non-Surgical

Dr. Rajesh Khosla By Dr. Rajesh Khosla (Senior Urologist)
January 24, 2023
5 min read
Gallstones Treatment Options: Surgical and Non-Surgical
The gallbladder is a small oblong organ that is located beneath the liver on the right side of your abdomen. When your bile has an excessive amount of cholesterol, gallstones, which are hardened deposits, develop in your gallbladder. Asymptomatic gallstones do not require treatment, however, symptomatic gallstones usually require gallbladder removal surgery.

There are mainly two types of gallstones:

  • Cholesterol Gallstones (Most Common Type) – Most of the undissolved cholesterol in these yellow gallstones is hard.
  • Pigment Gallstones – Too much bilirubin is found in these dark brown or black gallstones.
Your doctor may choose to perform surgical procedures or provide non-surgical treatments, depending on the type of gallstones you have and your general health. Gallstones often have no symptoms, according to the urologist in Ludhiana. 

Gallstones Surgery Treatment Options

The most popular way to treat pigment gallstones is with a cholecystectomy, a procedure that removes the gallbladder. Your surgeon may carry out the procedure invasively or minimally invasively while you are anesthetized.
  • Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy  
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: To remove your gallbladder, around 3 or 4 small incisions are created in your belly. One of these incisions is then used to introduce thin, tube-like equipment with a light and lens. In a week, you can return home and carry on with your regular routines.
  • Open Cholecystectomy  
When your gallbladder is badly infected, inflamed, or scarred from prior operations, or if complications arise during laparoscopic cholecystectomy, this surgery is carried out. Your doctor will create wider abdominal incisions during the procedure to remove your gallbladder. For additional observation, you might need to stay in the hospital for a week. Recuperation and return to regular activities can take up to a month.

Non-Surgical Gallstone Treatment Options

If you have cholesterol stones and are unable to have surgery because of underlying medical issues, your doctor may suggest one of the following non-surgical options.Oral Dissolution Therapy: Medications like chenodiol and ursodiol, which contain bile acid, can dissolve small gallstones. The gallstones may not completely dissolve for several months or even years.Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): This treatment is done to remove gallstones that have gotten stuck in the common bile duct.Shock Wave Lithotripsy: This is an additional treatment for gallstone removal. Ursodiol medicine, however, is occasionally applied during this procedure.

How to Maintain a Healthy Gallbladder

Follow a healthy eating planYou can reduce your risk of developing gallstones by eating a healthy, balanced diet. You might consider including some of the foods listed below in your diet:
  • Consume nutritious foods such as almonds, meat, fish, eggs, beans, lentils, and chickpeas.
  • Eat more calcium, fiber, and vitamin C in your diet.
  • Drink coffee and just a little amount of alcohol.
  • Avoid fatty, sugary, and processed foods.
  • Stay hydrated.

Other Tips to Maintain a Healthy Gallbladder:

  • keep a healthy weight.
  • Regular exercise
  • Avoid overeating. Eat some simple-to-digest little meals instead.
  • If you are overweight or obese, try decreasing your weight gradually.
If you are looking for Gallbladder Stone Treatment In Ludhiana, contact us today!
Dr. Rajesh Khosla

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Rajesh Khosla

Senior Urologist & Laser Surgeon with over 20+ years of clinical excellence in RIRS, HoLEP, Mini-PCNL, and Laparoscopic Surgeries at Khosla Stone Kidney & Surgical Centre, Ludhiana.