Gall Bladder Stone
Gall Stones And Problems Related To Them
What Are Gall Stones?
- Abnormal particles forming a solid lump of bile cholesterol, bilirubin and calcium is called a gallstone.
- Formed within the saclike gall bladder. This lies under the liver below the right rib cage.
- Gall bladder is closely connected to the liver and collects bile, a digestive juice, made in the liver.
- Bile flows through a small but comprehensive duct system (liver ducts)
What Are The Types of Gall stones ?
- Cholesterol stones comprise of almost 80% of all gallstones.
- Pigment stones are made of bile and are small and dark.
What Are The Causes of Gall Stones ?
- Diet (high cholesterol)
- Liver diseases
- Gall bladder problems
- Genetic
Who Is At Risk of Gall Stones ?
- Raised body mass index, quick weight loss and fasting
- Women and older people (>60 years)
- Diabetics
- Medicines – birth control pill, hormone replacement therapy, cholesterol lowering tablets
What Is The Biggest Risk Factor of Gall Stones ?
- Raised body mass index or obesity is one of the biggest risk factor.
What are the symptoms of Gall Stones ?
- Usually silent (80%) until complications occur.
- Pain (upper abdomen/back)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dyspepsia (bloating, indigestion, heartburn etc.)
How Are Gall Stones Diagnosed ?
Can be very challenging sometimes!
- Ultrasound scan is the most common and easily available diagnostic tool.
- Blood tests help in diagnosis along with the above test.
- MRI scan (MRCP) – sometimes necessary as sees ducts of the liver and biliary system in a much clearer way.
- CT scan (as a test to assess further) – to look at surrounding structures eg. Pancreas.
Other specialised tests (eg Endoscopic Ultrasound, Cholescintigraphy, ERCP may be required along with the above tests.
Treatment of Gall Stones ?
- Surgical intervention (laparoscopic or open surgery) involving removal of gall bladder.
- No definite medical treatment unless there are other complications.
- Medicines can help dissolve cholesterol stones but have to be taken long term and recurrence is common.
Is Gall Bladder Essential To Have ?
- Gall bladder is not necessary for survival.
- It acts as a store for bile.
- The body gets accustomed to it not being there within weeks to months.
Can Gall Stones Symptoms Mimic Other Conditions ?
- Symptoms related to gall stones can mimic appendicitis, ulcers, pancreatitis and reflux.
- It can also cause chest discomfort and can be difficult to delineate between this and angina (heart pain).
- Important – please don’t ignore symptoms and life threatening condition should be excluded without delay!
Treatment :
- Surgical intervention (laparoscopic or open surgery)
Recovery from Surgery (can take 1-2 days). - Depending on the type of surgery,
- Preferred option is Laparoscopic and uncomplicated patients can be discharged in 24-48 hours.
Gall Bladder Stone Specialist in Chandigarh
There are many Gall Bladder Stone Specialist in Chandigarh practising in government hospitals (eg. PGIMER, Govt. Medical College Hospital, sector 32) as well as many private hospitals all over the tricity.
Dr. Gurbilas P. Singh also provides clinical services at Sarvhit Gastrocity, Amritsar, and is attached to Paras Hospital Panchkula, and Apollo Clinics, Sector 8. Chandigarh)
Dr. Gurbilas P. Singh also provides clinical services at Sarvhit Gastrocity, Amritsar, and is attached to Paras Hospital Panchkula, and Apollo Clinics, Sector 8. Chandigarh)
Available at:
(with prior appointment please)