Gallstones, or gallbladder stones, are hardened deposits of bile that develop in the gallbladder, a small organ that sits underneath the liver and stores bile to aid the digestion of fats. Some people have gallbladder stones without any symptoms, while other patients may have gallstones that cause significant pain, infection, or complications that will necessitate surgery. It is important to know why surgery may be necessary before you can successfully assess and treat this common gastrointestinal disorder. In this article, we will discuss gallstones in detail and explain when Gallbladder stone surgery is needed for them.
What Causes Gallstones?
Gallstones occur primarily when the balance of what is in bile is off, often due to too much cholesterol or bilirubin, or when the gallbladder doesn’t empty well. Eventually, the cholesterol and bilirubin crystals can become large enough to form stones, which can come in various sizes, from tiny gravel-like grains to larger stones. Most gallstones cause no symptoms and are typically silent. However, when the gallbladder is not able to empty (due to a blockage of the bile duct with a gallstone), the symptoms start. The block in the duct can lead to biliary colic, obstruction, infection, or inflammation, depending on how long the gallstone blocks access to the intestine. All of these problems will often require medical attention.
When is Surgery the Only Option?
Typically, Gallbladder stone surgery (cholecystectomy) is recommended only if gallstones are causing persistent or severe symptoms or complications. Below are the significant conditions where surgery is necessary:
- Recurrent Gallstones: Recurrent abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting after meals suggests gallstones are interfering with normal bile flow.
- Cholecystitis: When stones cause infection or inflammation, the patient may experience severe pain, fever, and tenderness in the upper abdomen.
- Bile Duct Obstruction: If a gallstone passes and obstructs the bile duct, the patient may develop jaundice or pancreatitis, requiring urgent surgery.
- Gangrene or Perforation: In the worst case, the obstructed gallbladder loses its blood supply, and gallbladder tissue dies (gangrene) or ruptures, necessitating surgery.
In these situations, medications are ineffective, and surgery is the only option that’s safe and effective.
What are the types of surgery available?
- Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery: A technique using a laparoscope (camera) and small incisions to remove the gallbladder. Most patients will recover in a few days with less scarring.
- Robotic-Assisted Surgery: An advanced method of minimally invasive surgery that offers greater precision, flexibility, and faster recovery. Robotic arms enhance the surgeon’s ability to control the surgery with less post-operative pain and a shorter hospital stay.
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