Gallstones are very common and often cause no trouble — but once they start causing pain, infection (cholecystitis), jaundice or pancreatitis, removing the gallbladder is the standard, permanent treatment. Medicines and diets do not dissolve most gallstones.
Dr. Jayanth H performs laparoscopic cholecystectomy routinely, as well as difficult gallbladder surgery — inflamed or contracted gallbladders, stones in the bile duct and previously operated abdomens — with a focus on safe technique and quick recovery.
Conditions & procedures
- Symptomatic gallstones (biliary colic)
- Acute and chronic cholecystitis
- Gallbladder polyps
- Stones in the bile duct (CBD stones)
- Gallstone pancreatitis
- Choledochal cyst and bile duct strictures
When should you see a surgeon?
- Pain in the upper right or middle abdomen, often after fatty meals, sometimes spreading to the back or right shoulder
- Bloating, nausea or vomiting with the pain
- Fever with abdominal pain (possible infection)
- Yellowing of eyes or skin, dark urine (possible bile duct stone)
How Dr. Jayanth H treats it
The gallbladder is removed through 3–4 small keyhole incisions. You can live a normal life without a gallbladder — bile flows directly from the liver into the intestine. If stones have slipped into the bile duct, they are cleared by ERCP or during surgery, depending on the situation.
Recovery
Most patients stay one night, eat normally within a day and get back to desk work in about a week. A light, low-fat diet for the first couple of weeks helps the digestive system settle.
Frequently asked questions
Do all gallstones need surgery?
Stones found by chance that cause no symptoms can often be watched. Surgery is advised once they cause pain, infection, jaundice or pancreatitis, or in specific high-risk situations your surgeon will discuss with you.
Can I live normally after gallbladder removal?
Yes. The liver keeps making bile, which flows directly into the intestine. A few people notice looser stools for some weeks, which usually settles.
How long is the hospital stay for laparoscopic cholecystectomy?
Usually one night. Most patients are back to routine activity within a week.
This page is general information to help you understand your options and is not a substitute for a consultation. Treatment is always individualised after examination and investigations.