What are gall stones or cholelithiasis ?
Gallstones are stones that form in the gallbladder which is a small pear shaped organ located beneath the liver. The function of gall bladder is to store the bile which is produced by the liver and pump in to the bowel for digestion. As such no digestive juice is produced from the gall bladder.
What are they made up of?
They are primarily composed of cholesterol or bilirubin and can range in size from tiny grains of sand to larger stones. Gallstones develop when there is an imbalance in the substances that make up bile, such as excessive cholesterol, bilirubin, or calcium salts, or when the gallbladder fails to empty properly.
In which people they are common ?
- More common in females- Especially during pregnancy, or if you are on hormone therapy or birth control pills.
- Age over 40 – Risk increases as you get older.
- Obesity or rapid weight loss – Both extremes can lead to gallstone formation.
- High-fat, low-fiber diet – This slows down gallbladder emptying.
- Family history – If others in your family had it, your chances go up
- Diabetes or metabolic syndrome – These conditions increase cholesterol in bile.
- Sedentary lifestyle – Less physical activity can affect digestion.
- Liver disease or hemolytic anaemia – Can lead to pigment stones
What are the symptoms of gall stones
Gallstones may cause no symptoms (silent gallstones) but can lead to issues when they block the bile ducts or cause inflammation.
Common symptoms include:
- Bloating
- A feeling of fullness after meals.
- Sudden, severe pain in the upper right abdomen or centre of the abdomen, often radiating to the back or right shoulder.
- Nausea
- Indigestion or food intolerance – Especially fatty or fried foods
What are the complications of gall stones?
- Acute cholecystitis
- Jaundice – if stone slips in to Common bile duct
- Pancreatitis – If stones block the pancreatic duct
- Gallbladder rupture – Rare but life-threatening
- Gallbladder cancer – Long-term irritation may increase risk
What is the treatment for gall stones
Laparoscopic gallbladder removal is the most effective treatment for symptomatic gallstones. Surgery is usually required for complications or recurrent attacks. Non-surgical options, like medications or ERCP, are limited and less effective long-term.
Medications can dissolve certain stones but may have recurrence.
After gallbladder removal, gallstones do not return.
Can we remove gall stones without removal of gall bladder?
No, gallbladder stones are typically not removed without removing the gallbladder. This is because gallstones often form due to issues with the gallbladder’s function. Removing only the stones without addressing the underlying problem can lead to recurrence. However, for stones in the bile ducts, procedures like endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) can remove them without removing the gallbladder.
FAQ
Post-Gallbladder Surgery: What Should I Expect?
Will I have digestion problems after gallbladder removal?
Not at all in most cases. Your liver still produces bile, which helps digest fat. The only difference is that bile is released continuously instead of being stored. Most people digest food normally after recovery.
Do I need to follow a strict diet after surgery?
No strict diet needed. For the first few days, light and low-fat foods are advised. After that, you can gradually return to your regular diet. Just avoid very greasy or spicy food initially if it causes discomfort.
Can I eat outside or enjoy my favourite foods later?
Yes, you can! After complete recovery, you can enjoy a normal diet, including meals outside. Moderation is key— just like for anyone else.
Will this surgery affect my long-term health?
Not at all. Living without a gallbladder does not affect your lifespan or overall health. Millions live perfectly normal lives without it.
