What Are Gallstones and Why Should You Be Concerned?

• “Is my stomach pain just gas or something serious?” a common question patients ask.
• Many dismiss right upper abdominal pain or bloating as minor issues.
• But often, gallstones (cholelithiasis) are the real hidden culprits.

Understanding Gallstones (Cholelithiasis)

• Gallstones are hardened deposits, mostly made of cholesterol or bilirubin, that form inside the gallbladder.
• The condition is medically termed Cholelithiasis.
• These stones vary in size from grains of sand to golf balls.
• They may remain silent or cause severe pain and complications.

What Causes Gallstones?

Imbalance in substances that make up bile (cholesterol, bile salts).

Gallbladder not emptying properly or often enough.

Liver producing too much cholesterol or bilirubin.

Risk factors include:

• Female gender (especially after 40)
• Obesity
• Rapid weight loss
• High-fat, low-fiber diet
• Diabetes
• Family history of gallstones
• Pregnancy

Symptoms of Gallstones (When They Start to Hurt)

• Pain in the upper right abdomen, often after meals.
• Pain radiating to right shoulder or back.
• Bloating, nausea, or vomiting.
• Indigestion and burping after eating fatty foods.
• Sometimes no symptoms at all until complications develop.

Risks If Gallstones Are Left Untreated

Gallbladder Inflammation (Cholecystitis)
→ Causes fever, severe pain, and infection.
→ May lead to rupture of gallbladder.

Bile Duct Blockage (Choledocholithiasis)
→ Gallstones can block bile flow to the intestine.
→ Leads to jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes) and infection.

Pancreatitis (Inflammation of the Pancreas)
→ Life-threatening condition if bile backs up into the pancreas.
→ Intense pain and organ failure in severe cases.

Infection and Sepsis
→ Untreated gallstones can lead to widespread infection in the abdomen.

Emergency Surgery
→ Delay often turns a planned laparoscopic procedure into a high-risk emergency operation.

When to See a Surgeon

If you have:

• Repeated upper abdominal pain.
• Nausea or bloating after eating.
• Jaundice or dark-colored urine.
• Don’t wait for an emergency early diagnosis leads to easier treatment.

Surgical Treatment: The Definitive Solution

• Gallstones do not dissolve naturally.
• The only effective, permanent treatment is gallbladder removal surgery (Cholecystectomy).

Types of Surgery for Gallstones

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (Minimally Invasive)

• Small incisions, camera-guided.
• Gallbladder is removed using surgical instruments.
• Less pain, faster recovery, minimal scarring.
• Most common and safest method

Open Cholecystectomy

• Larger incision used if laparoscopic method isn’t possible (e.g. severe infection or scar tissue).
• Longer recovery time, more pain post-op.

Recovery After Surgery

Laparoscopic patients usually go home within 24 hours.

Resume normal activities within 7–10 days.

Gallbladder is not essential patients live normal lives after surgery.

Dr. Frogh-e-Elahi’s Advice

“Many people live with gallstones for years, unaware of the ticking time bomb inside. I strongly advise early evaluation and laparoscopic surgery to avoid dangerous complications. The earlier we operate, the safer and smoother the recovery.”

Role of Advanced International Hospital in Gallstone Management

At Advanced International Hospital Islamabad, we offer:

• State-of-the-art laparoscopic surgery led by expert surgeons like Dr. Frogh-e-Elahi.
• Use of internationally recommended protocols
• Day-care surgery options go home the same day.
• In-house diagnostics: Ultrasound, labs, and pre-op evaluations.
• Emergency care for acute cholecystitis and pancreatitis.
• Patient-centered care, clean facilities, and advanced post-op monitoring.