Gallstones Treatment in Gurgaon

Gallstones are one of the most common digestive disorders in India. While many people discover them accidentally during an ultrasound, others experience recurring abdominal pain, nausea, jaundice, or serious complications such as gallbladder infection and pancreatitis.

The important question is not simply whether gallstones are present, but whether they are causing symptoms or increasing the risk of complications. This guide explains gallstone symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment options, recovery, and when surgery may be required.

What Are Gallstones?

The gallbladder is a small organ located beneath the liver that stores bile, a digestive fluid that helps break down fats.

Gallstones form when substances in bile, mainly cholesterol or bilirubin, harden into solid deposits inside the gallbladder. Some people develop a single large stone, while others have multiple smaller stones.

What Causes Gallstones?

Gallstones develop when bile chemistry becomes imbalanced or when the gallbladder does not empty properly.

Common Risk Factors

Women are generally more likely to develop gallstones than men.

Symptoms of Gallstones

Many gallstones cause no symptoms and may never require treatment (silent gallstones).

When symptoms occur, they often include:

• Pain in the upper right abdomen
• Pain after eating fatty meals
• Nausea or vomiting
• Bloating and indigestion
• Pain radiating to the back or right shoulder
• Persistent upper abdominal discomfort

What Does a Gallstone Attack Feel Like?

A gallstone attack, also called biliary colic, typically causes:

• Sudden upper abdominal pain
• Pain lasting 20 minutes to several hours
• Symptoms after a heavy or fatty meal
• Pain spreading to the shoulder or back
• Nausea or vomiting

The pain occurs when a gallstone temporarily blocks the gallbladder.

Complications of Untreated Gallstones

Ignoring symptomatic gallstones can lead to serious health problems.

Although not every patient develops complications, the risk increases once symptoms begin.

How Are Gallstones Diagnosed?

Ultrasound Abdomen

The most accurate first-line test for detecting gallstones. It can also identify gallbladder inflammation and bile duct enlargement.

Liver Function Tests (LFTs)

Used to detect bile duct obstruction and jaundice.

Read more about LFT

MRCP

A specialised MRI scan that provides detailed images of the bile ducts and helps identify duct stones.

ERCP

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography is a procedure that can both diagnose and remove stones from the bile ducts.

CT Scan

Used when complications such as pancreatitis, perforation, or gallbladder cancer are suspected.

Gallstones in Patients with Liver Disease

Gallstones are more common in patients with liver cirrhosis and advanced liver disease.

These cases require special attention because cirrhosis can affect blood clotting, increase surgical bleeding risk, and make gallbladder surgery more technically challenging. In some patients, treatment may involve ERCP before surgery, while others may require management as part of a liver transplant pathway.

This is where expertise in both hepatobiliary surgery and liver transplantation becomes particularly important. Treatment decisions should be individualised based on liver function and overall health.

Gallstones Treatment Options in Gurgaon

Treatment depends on symptoms, stone location, and the presence of complications.

Treatment Overview

Observation

Gallstones discovered incidentally and causing no symptoms can often be monitored without surgery.

ERCP for Bile Duct Stones

When a stone blocks the common bile duct, ERCP is usually performed to remove the obstruction before gallbladder surgery.

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Laparoscopic surgery for gallbladder removal is considered the gold-standard treatment for symptomatic gallstones.

The procedure involves:

1. General anaesthesia
2. Three to four small incisions
3. Camera-guided removal of the gallbladder
4. Short hospital stay
5. Faster recovery than open surgery

Most patients return home within 24–48 hours.

Robotic Gallbladder Surgery

Robotic surgery may be useful in selected patients with previous abdominal surgeries, dense adhesions, or complex anatomy requiring greater precision.

Read more about the cost of Robotic Surgery

Open Gallbladder Surgery

Open surgery is reserved for complicated cases where minimally invasive surgery cannot be safely completed.

Recovery After Gallbladder Surgery

Recovery after laparoscopic cholecystectomy is usually quick.

The liver continues producing bile normally after surgery, and most patients eventually return to a regular diet.

Diet for Patients with Gallstones

Diet can help reduce symptoms but cannot remove existing gallstones.

Foods to Eat

✅ Fruits and vegetables

✅ Whole grains and oats

✅ Lean proteins

✅ Small, frequent meals

✅ Healthy fats in moderation

Foods to Limit

❌ Fried foods

❌ Excessively oily meals

❌ Butter, cream, and high-fat dairy products

❌ Sugary foods and refined carbohydrates

❌ Crash diets and prolonged fasting

Cost of Gallstone Surgery in Gurgaon

The cost of laparoscopic gallbladder surgery in Gurgaon generally ranges from ₹45,000 to ₹1,80,000.

Factors affecting the final cost include:

• Complexity of surgery
• Hospital room category
• Length of hospital stay
• Need for ERCP
• Insurance coverage
• Associated medical conditions

A personalised estimate is usually provided after consultation and evaluation.

Why Consult Dr. Ankur Garg for Gallstones Treatment in Gurgaon?

Dr. Ankur Garg is a senior HPB Surgeon and Liver Transplant Specialist at Paras Hospital, Gurgaon, with extensive experience in treating gallstones, bile duct disorders, liver disease, and complex hepatobiliary conditions.

Patients benefit from:

• Advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgery
• Expertise in bile duct and pancreatic disorders
• Experience managing gallstones in cirrhosis patients
• Access to MRCP, ERCP, and surgery under one roof
• Multidisciplinary liver and biliary care

For patients experiencing recurrent gallstone attacks, jaundice, bile duct stones, or complications, consultation with Dr. Ankur Garg can help prevent emergencies and ensure the most appropriate treatment plan.

Consult Dr. Ankur Garg for:

• Gallstones Treatment in Gurgaon
• Evaluation for gallbladder or bile duct disorders
• Personalised treatment planning for liver disease