Many people come to us with pain in the upper right side of the stomach.
Most of the time, it turns out to be gallbladder stones.
Gallbladder is a small organ under your liver.
It stores bile, which helps digest fatty food.
When stones form inside it, they can block the flow of bile.
That is when the pain starts.
This is one of the most common problems we see, especially in women above 30, and in people who eat a lot of oily or fried food.
Dont worry if you have been told you have stones. In most cases it is very treatable.
What are the symptoms of gallbladder stones ?
Not everyone with stones has symptoms.
Some people carry silent stones for years.
But when symptoms do show up, they usually look like this:
- Pain in upper right side of stomach, sometimes going to the back or shoulder
- Pain after eating oily or heavy food
- Bloating and gas
- Nausea or vomiting
- In some cases, yellowing of eyes or skin (jaundice)
- Fever, if there is infection
If pain is sudden and severe, or with fever, dont wait. Come and see us same day.
When is surgery needed ?
Not every stone needs surgery immediately.
Small, silent stones without symptoms are sometimes just watched.
But surgery is usually recommended when:
- Pain keeps coming back
- Stones are large or many in number
- There is infection or inflammation of gallbladder
- Stone has moved into the bile duct
- You are diabetic, because infections can turn serious fast
Once symptoms start, stones dont go away on their own. Medicines can only manage pain for some time, not dissolve the stone.
Surgery to remove the gallbladder is the only permanent solution.
What is laparoscopic surgery ?
This is the modern way of removing the gallbladder.
Earlier, doctors used to make one big cut on the stomach.
Now, with laparoscopy, we make 3-4 small cuts, less than a centimeter each.
A camera and small instruments go through these cuts.
The whole gallbladder is removed through one of the small openings.
Benefits of laparoscopic surgery:
- Small cuts, less scarring
- Less pain after surgery compared to open surgery
- Shorter hospital stay, usually 1-2 days
- Faster return to normal work
- Lower chance of infection
You can live a completely normal life without a gallbladder. Body adjusts to digest fat without it, over time.
What to expect after laparoscopy surgery ?
Recovery is usually smooth if you follow basic care.
- First 1-2 days: rest at hospital, mild pain managed with medicines
- Small cuts are covered, keep them dry and clean
- Avoid heavy lifting for 2 weeks
- Start with light, low-oil food for first few days
- Slowly return to normal diet over 2-3 weeks
- Most people go back to desk work within a week, and normal activity in 2-3 weeks
Some gas pain in shoulder is normal for a day or two after surgery, because of the gas used during operation. It settles on its own.
If you notice fever, unusual swelling, redness, or discharge from the cuts, consult us if problem persist. Dont ignore it.
We know surgery sounds scary.
But laparoscopic gallbladder removal is one of the safest and most commonly done surgeries today.
Thousands of these are done every year, with good recovery.
If you are having repeated pain after meals, or have been told you have gallbladder stones, dont keep delaying it.
Come, talk to us.
We will check your reports, explain your options simply, and guide you on what is right for you.