Gallbladder Stones: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment Options

Gallbladder stones, also known as gallstones, are hardened deposits that develop inside the gallbladder. They can be as small as grains of sand or as large as a golf ball. While some people have gallstones without any symptoms, others may experience severe abdominal pain and digestive problems that require medical treatment. At Lakeland Multispeciality Hospital, patients can access experienced surgical care and advanced treatment options for gallstones, including laparoscopic gallbladder surgery. 

Lakeland Hospital is a one of the best multispeciality hospital in Lake Town, Kolkata, offering expert care in Orthopedics, Chest medicine, Gynaecology, General medicine, Psychiatry, Nephrology and other specialties. Patients can receive expert medical evaluation and surgical care for gallbladder-related conditions at Lakeland Multispeciality Hospital, Lake Town, Kolkata. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and available treatment options can help you recognize warning signs and seek timely medical attention. 

What Are Gallbladder Stones?

The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located beneath the liver. It stores bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver that helps the body digest fats.

Gallstones form when substances in bile become imbalanced and harden into stones. The two main types are cholesterol stones and pigment stones. Cholesterol stones are the more common type.

Not everyone with gallstones requires treatment. However, when stones cause symptoms or block the bile ducts, medical evaluation and treatment may be necessary.

Symptoms of Gallbladder Stones

Gallstones may remain unnoticed until they block the normal flow of bile. This can cause a sudden episode of abdominal pain, commonly known as a gallbladder attack.

Common symptoms include:

If abdominal pain is severe or persistent, or occurs along with fever, chills, jaundice, dark urine, or repeated vomiting, immediate medical evaluation is important.

What Causes Gallbladder Stones?

Gallstones can develop when bile contains too much cholesterol or bilirubin, or when the gallbladder does not empty properly. Several factors can increase the risk of developing gallstones.

These include:

• Overweight or obesity
• Rapid weight loss
• A diet high in unhealthy fats
• Pregnancy and hormonal changes
• Family history of gallstones
• Certain Medical Conditions
• Some medications

Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding rapid weight-loss methods may help reduce some risk factors. 

How Are Gallbladder Stones Diagnosed?

If gallstones are suspected, a doctor will usually review your symptoms and medical history and perform a physical examination. An abdominal ultrasound is commonly used to identify gallstones.

Depending on the patient’s symptoms, doctors may also recommend blood tests or additional imaging tests to check for inflammation, infection, bile duct blockage, or other complications.

At Lakeland Multispeciality Hospital, appropriate diagnostic evaluation can help doctors determine the condition of the gallbladder and recommend a suitable treatment plan.

Treatment Options for Gallbladder Stones

Treatment depends on the size and location of the stones, the presence of symptoms, and whether complications have developed.

Observation

People who have gallstones but no symptoms may not always require immediate treatment. Doctors may recommend observation and advise patients to return if symptoms develop.

Medicines

Certain medicines may be used in selected patients to dissolve specific types of gallstones. However, treatment can take a long time, is not suitable for everyone, and gallstones may return.

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

For symptomatic gallstones, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a commonly used surgical treatment. During this procedure, the gallbladder is removed through small abdominal incisions using a camera and specialized surgical instruments.

Laparoscopic surgery may offer benefits such as smaller incisions and a potentially quicker recovery compared with open surgery. The suitability of the procedure depends on the patient’s individual condition.

Open Cholecystectomy

In certain cases, doctors may recommend open gallbladder surgery, particularly when there are complications or laparoscopic surgery is not appropriate.

At Lakeland Multispeciality Hospital, Kolkata, surgical treatment for gallbladder stones is planned according to the patient’s diagnosis, overall health, and medical requirements.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Recurring or severe abdominal pain should not be ignored. Consult a doctor if you experience frequent pain in the upper abdomen, particularly after meals, or symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, fever, or jaundice.

Gallstones can sometimes cause complications, including gallbladder inflammation, bile duct obstruction, and pancreatitis. Early medical evaluation can help identify these complications and guide appropriate treatment. At Lakeland Hospital, We provide person-centerd treatment, modern medical facilities, and compassionate care, along with 24X7 Emergency care for patients across North Kolkata, including Bangur, Patipukur, Nagerbazar, Kestopur, Kalindi, and nearby areas.

Gallbladder Stone Care at Lakeland Multispeciality Hospital

Lakeland Multispeciality Hospital, Kolkata, provides medical and surgical care for patients with gallbladder and other abdominal conditions. If you have been diagnosed with gallstones or are experiencing symptoms such as recurring upper abdominal pain, consult a qualified doctor for proper evaluation.

The hospital offers laparoscopic and open surgical treatment options, depending on the patient’s condition and the surgeon’s recommendation. 

Do not ignore persistent abdominal discomfort or attempt to treat gallstones without professional medical advice. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help prevent complications and support a safer recovery.

If you are looking for gallbladder stone treatment in Kolkata near South Dum Dum and Lake Town, Lakeland Hospital is a trusted choice. We provide expert care for gallbladder conditions, including gallstones, gallbladder inflammation, and gallbladder-related complications, with experienced surgeons, advanced diagnostic facilities, and modern treatment options. Conveniently located in Lake Town, Kolkata, Lakeland Hospital is easily accessible, with Belgachia Metro station  being a convenient nearby metro option for hassle-free travel. 

Looking for gallbladder stone treatment in Kolkata? Consult the surgical team at Lakeland Multispeciality Hospital for appropriate evaluation and treatment