Gallbladder Stones: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Gallbladder stones, also called gallstones, are hardened deposits of digestive fluid that form inside the gallbladder. Many people may not even realise they have them until they experience sudden abdominal pain or other complications. If left untreated, gallstones can cause serious health problems, so early diagnosis and treatment by a gastroenterologist in Hyderabad is essential.
Symptoms of Gallbladder Stones
Not everyone with gallstones develops symptoms, but common signs include:
- Severe pain in the upper right abdomen (often after fatty meals)
- Pain radiating to the back or right shoulder
- Nausea or vomiting
- Indigestion, bloating, or burping
- Jaundice (yellowing of eyes/skin) if a stone blocks the bile duct
Causes & Risk Factors
Gallstones form when substances in bile—like cholesterol or bilirubin—harden. Risk factors include:
- Eating a high-fat or high-cholesterol diet
- Obesity or rapid weight loss
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Family history of gallstones
- More common in women, especially during pregnancy
Treatment Options for Gallstones
Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms:
- No Symptoms (Silent Gallstones): Often monitored, no immediate treatment.
- Medications: In rare cases, oral medicines can dissolve small stones, but this takes months to years.
- Minimally Invasive Surgery (Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy): The most common and effective treatment; it removes the gallbladder and prevents future stone formation.
- Endoscopic procedures (ERCP): Used if gallstones block the bile duct.
Gallstone Treatment in Hyderabad
If you experience frequent abdominal pain, indigestion, or jaundice, consult a gastroenterologist in Hyderabad for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Dr. Pavan K Addala, a trusted gastro and liver specialist, offers advanced evaluation and laparoscopic gallbladder stone treatment in Hyderabad.
