Gallstone Surgery

Gallstone is the most common medical condition of the gallbladder (cholecystitis). Lots of people from all over India seek a permanent cure for gallstones. Even though it is not an immediately life-threatening disease, untreated gallstones cause lots of discomfort and pain. Thus, availing a reliable treatment is advised.

Bile ducts plays a vital role in the digestion of fat. If the secretion of bile is adversely affected due to gallbladder disease, the affected individual is likely to experience symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Since the symptoms of medical conditions associated with the gallbladder are often similar to those of other digestive ailments, the actual underlying problem is often misdiagnosed. Thus, it is always better to have a basic idea about some of the common signs of gallbladder (cholecystitis) problems.

Some common ailments of gallbladder and bile duct are as follows:

• Gallstones are formed when bile salts become hard particles and create a blockage.
• Cholecystitis is an acute and chronic inflammation.
• Acute cholecystitis could be the result of tumors and other illnesses.
• Chronic cholecystitis is caused due to shrinkage of the gallbladder due to repeated acute cholecystitis and it loses its functionality.
• Choledocholithiasis occurs when the gallstones are lodged in the bile ducts or the neck of the gallbladder.
• Acalculous gallbladder disease occurs due to the absence of gallstones.
• Primary Sclerosing cholangitis is scarring, inflammation and damage to the bile ducts.
• Gallbladder cancer spreads from the inner walls of the gallbladder to other organs.
• Gallbladder polyps are harmless growths or lesions on the gallbladder.
• Gangrene of the gallbladder occurs when there is improper or inadequate blood flow and the gallbladder does not function.
• Abscess of the gallbladder occurs when the area has pus formation and is inflamed.
• Bile duct obstruction is blockage of bile ducts due to gallstones.
• Bile reflux when fluid in the liver called bile backs up into the stomach and esophagus.
• Primary biliary cirrhosis occurs when small bile ducts in the liver are damaged.

Surgical options

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: In this procedure, the gallbladder is removed by minimally invasive surgical techniques. The procedure is done under general anesthesia. Four small incisions are made in and around the umbilicus, which are called laparoscopic ports. Thin, long tubes or laparoscopes are inserted through these incisions which magnifies the view of the area. Surgical instruments are used to carefully separate the gallbladder from the liver and the bile duct and extract it through one of the ports.

Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration: This procedure is commonly used in the treatment of choledocholithiasis and can be done percutaneously, laparoscopically or endoscopically. The approach is the same as laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Four ports are opened and a very small opening is made in the cystic duct where the gallbladder connects to the bile duct. Cholangiography is performed with the insertion of a thin tube. A balloon or a tiny basket is used to retrieve the stones from the duct.

Laparoscopic bile duct bypass: The drainage of bile into the intestine is blocked due to the stricture of the bile duct. The bile then accumulates in the blood and causes jaundice. Bile duct surgeries are very complex and difficult. Since the bile duct is located deep into the abdomen, the procedure carries longer incisions into the abdomen. Laparoscopy is used to remove the stones in the bile duct.