Gallbladder Stone Surgery in Ranchi

Gallstones are hard deposits that form in the gallbladder, a small organ under the liver that stores bile. Many people have gallstones without knowing it. For others, stones cause repeated pain or complications. When that happens, removing the gallbladder is the usual treatment. The General Surgery department at Santevita Hospital, Ranchi, lists gallbladder surgery among its procedures, with an operation theatre complex and 24x7 emergency and critical care services. This page explains the symptoms, when surgery is advised, how laparoscopic surgery is done, recovery and diet, risks and cost factors.

Gallstone symptoms

Gallstones that do not block anything often cause no symptoms. When a stone blocks the flow of bile, symptoms can include:

• Pain in the upper right or middle upper abdomen, often after a heavy or fatty meal
• Pain that spreads to the back or the right shoulder
• Nausea, vomiting, bloating or indigestion
• Pain that comes in episodes and lasts from half an hour to several hours

Seek urgent medical care if you have severe, continuous abdominal pain, fever with chills, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), or dark urine with pale stools. These can point to infection or a blocked bile duct.

When surgery is needed

Surgery is usually advised when gallstones cause symptoms or complications, such as:

• Repeated attacks of pain
• Inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis)
• Stones in the bile duct, or inflammation of the pancreas linked to gallstones
• A gallbladder that is not working well, or has other problems found on imaging

If stones are found by chance and cause no trouble, doctors often advise watchful waiting. Medicines that dissolve stones work only in selected cases, take a long time, and stones can form again. Your surgeon will decide after examination, an ultrasound of the abdomen and other tests if needed. Diagnosis usually begins with the ultrasound. Blood tests for liver function and infection may be done, and in some cases a scan such as MRCP or CT is advised to look at the bile ducts.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Removal of the gallbladder is called cholecystectomy. It is commonly done by the laparoscopic (keyhole) method.

Before surgery: the anaesthesia team checks your fitness, and you may need blood tests, an ECG and a chest X-ray. You are asked to fast for several hours, and the team tells you which regular medicines to continue or pause. Tell the team if you take blood thinners or have diabetes.

During surgery:

1. You are given general anaesthesia.
2. Three or four small cuts are made in the abdomen.
3. A thin camera and fine instruments are passed through them, and the surgeon works while watching a screen.
4. The gallbladder is separated from the bile duct and blood supply, and removed through one of the cuts.
5. The cuts are closed with stitches or surgical glue.

Sometimes the surgeon needs to switch to open surgery, which uses a single larger cut. This can happen if there is severe inflammation, scarring or bleeding. It is a safety decision and not a failure. The body works without a gallbladder, because bile flows directly from the liver to the intestine.

Recovery and diet

Many patients go home within one to two days after laparoscopic surgery. Recovery varies with age, health and the condition of the gallbladder. Both before surgery and during recovery, the nursing team and your surgeon explain each step and answer your questions.

What to expect

• Mild pain in the abdomen and shoulder for a few days, controlled with the medicines you are given
• Walking around soon after surgery, as advised, to help recovery
• Care of the small wounds, kept clean and dry
• Return to desk work after about one to two weeks, as your surgeon advises
• Avoiding heavy lifting for a few weeks

Diet after surgery

• Start with light meals, such as dal, khichdi, soups, fruit and curd, and move to normal food gradually.
• Eat small, frequent meals instead of large ones.
• Limit very oily, fried and fatty foods for the first few weeks.
• Add fibre through vegetables, fruit and whole grains, and drink enough water.

Some people have loose stools for a short period. Tell your doctor if this continues.

Risks

Gallbladder surgery is common and generally safe, but like any operation it carries risks. These include bleeding, infection, a leak of bile, injury to the bile duct (rare), a hernia at one of the cuts, risks linked to anaesthesia, and the chance of converting to open surgery. Your surgeon will discuss the risks that apply to you before you sign the consent form. Contact the hospital if you have fever, severe pain, persistent vomiting, yellow eyes or discharge from a wound after going home.

Cost factors

The charges depend on your condition and the care you need. They cannot be fixed in advance, because these factors differ from patient to patient:

• Laparoscopic or open surgery
• Tests and imaging before surgery
• The room category and length of stay
• Medicines and any additional care
• Complications or other conditions that need treatment

For an estimate after evaluation, call 073600 33390. Santevita Hospital has a list of empanelled TPAs and corporates on its website. Please check whether your insurer is listed and carry your policy card and photo ID. Cashless approval depends on your insurer. Ask for the estimate in writing so that you know what it covers.

Our surgeons

Dr. R. K. Maroo, Dr. R. S. Das and Dr. R. P. Shrivastva are listed as Specialists - General Surgery at Santevita Hospital. You can see their profiles and the OPD schedule on the Find a Doctor and OPD Schedule pages of this website. Surgery is advised and planned by the treating surgeon after evaluation.

Frequently asked questions

Can gallstones go away without surgery?

Small stones may pass, and stones that cause no symptoms may only need observation. Stones that cause repeated pain or complications usually need surgery. Medicines to dissolve stones work only in selected cases and the stones can return.

How long is recovery?

After laparoscopic surgery, many people return home in one to two days and resume desk work in one to two weeks. Your surgeon will advise based on your case.

What can I eat after surgery?

Begin with light, low-fat meals and increase gradually. Eat small, frequent meals and limit fried and oily food for the first few weeks.

Will I have problems digesting food without a gallbladder?

Most people digest food normally. Some have loose stools or discomfort after fatty meals for a while, which usually settles. Tell your doctor if it continues.

Is laparoscopic surgery suitable for everyone?

Most patients can have it, but not all. Severe inflammation, earlier abdominal surgery or other conditions may make open surgery safer. Your surgeon will decide what is safest for you.

Is surgery safe if I have diabetes or another condition?

Your surgeon and the team will assess your overall health and plan accordingly before surgery.

Consult our General Surgery team

To consult the General Surgery department or ask about OPD timings, call Santevita Hospital, Ranchi, on 073600 33390. The same number can be used for emergencies.