Gallstones develop in the gallbladder where bile, the digestive fluid is stored. The gallbladder releases bile into the intestine to aid digestion. Bile contains a substance called bile salt that breaks down fats in the food we eat. As food passes from the stomach to the small intestine, the gallbladder releases bile in the bile ducts. Bile removes excess cholesterol from the body. The liver secretes cholesterol in the bile which is further eliminated from the body via the digestive system. 

According to the experts, one or more conditions lead to the formation of gallstones:

  • Excess cholesterol in the bile: Bile becomes completely saturated with cholesterol which means that it contains more cholesterol than it can dissolve. This results in solidification of cholesterol and the formation of stones. 
  • Abnormal gallbladder functioning: Gallbladder is unable to contract enough which restricts bowel movements. This makes the bile more concentrated leading to the formation of gallstones.
  • Fewer bile salts in bile: Gallstones may form if there are not enough bile salts to break down the cholesterol or too much cholesterol for the bile salts to dissolve. 

Gallstones may be formed if you have a family history of gallstones. Other risk factors that may contribute to gallstones include:

  • Obesity
  • Losing weight rapidly
  • High-fat, high-cholesterol or low fiber food content
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Taking big meals or skipping meals
  • High estrogen levels from pregnancy or birth control pills
  • Bile duct infection

Medication may give relief from pain caused by gallstones, but may not dissolve stones permanently. And above all, medicines are rarely given as they may cause side-effects. 

Medical factors considered before gallstones removal surgery

Before the surgery, there are certain things that doctors confirm to avoid complications:
  • Medical history if some pre-existing conditions may affect the decision on surgery
  • If you are on medication, including over-the-counter preparation
  • Any side-effect from any medication

Treatment for gallstones


Treatment is not required unless gallstones cause pain. But if you are in pain, the doctor may recommend surgery. The most common treatment for gallstones removal is laparoscopic surgery, which is minimally invasive surgery that can remove gallstones or gallbladder. This surgery is performed under general anesthesia. The removal of the gallbladder is also known as a cholecystectomy. 

The surgeon makes 2-3 small incisions in the abdomen and inserts the surgical instruments and laparoscope with a video camera attached on top of it. The camera gives a magnified image of the internal organs which gives the surgeon a clear view of the gallstones, tissues and nearby organs on the screen. The surgeon carefully separates the gallbladder from the liver, duct and other organs cutting the cyst duct and removing the gallbladder from one of the incisions. 

The abdominal muscles are not cut in the laparoscopic surgery, therefore the patients have less pain and fewer complications as compared to the open surgery. After the laparoscopic surgery is complete and the gallbladder is removed, the incisions are closed using adhesive glue which is not at all harmful. After the surgery, you may go home after a few hours and resume daily activities after a day or two. The doctor suggests not to lift heavy objects or perform strenuous activities for a week so that you can recover faster. They also provide some exercises and dietary changes after the surgery which can help you in speedy recovery. The gallstones surgery is not at all complicated if you reach the doctor on time and follow as instructed. 

The other option is open cholecystectomy. It is known as open because the surgeon makes a long incision in the abdomen to remove the gallbladder. This may require you to stay for a week in the hospital and months to recover after the surgery. The chances of infection, blood clot are more in case of open surgery so laparoscopic surgery is preferred over it. 

It also depends upon the doctor which surgery to opt for. Laparoscopic surgery is performed by experts while open surgery can be performed by any gallstone surgeon. Therefore, it is important to get all the details related to gallstones and its treatment. 

Side effects of gallbladder removal surgery


Usually, the surgery has potential complications depending upon every individual and the type of treatment the patient undergoes. But there are no major side effects if the surgery is performed laparoscopically. 
  • Difficulty in digesting food

Initially, the body takes time to adjust to the new way of digesting food. The medicines given post-surgery may cause indigestion which may not last long. 
  • Constipation

The constipation is usually reduced after the removal of the gallbladder but anesthesia used during surgery may lead to short term constipation. 
  • Intestinal injury

This is a very rare case as the surgery is performed by highly skilled specialists. It is normal to have some pain after the surgery, but if it continues for more than 3-4 days then you must consult a doctor. 

Here are a few tips for healthy gallbladder:

  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Avoid rapid weight loss 
  • Eat anti-inflammatory diet
  • Regular exercise
  • Supplements as prescribed by the doctor

Conclusion


Seek the right medical help right away if you experience any of the symptoms of gallstones. It is important to note that treating your condition on your own and avoiding or delaying the right care may have serious consequences. If you consider alternative medicine, make sure you consult your doctor to avoid the complications. If you get the right treatment at the right time, it will quickly help you return to the normal activities so that you can lead a happy and healthy life.