By Dr. Frogh-e-Elahi
Consultant General & Laparoscopic Surgeon

 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

1. 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

2. 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.

 Conclusion

“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.”