Gallbladder Surgery
Gall Bladder Cancer Surgeon in Mumbai - Gastrointestinal Surgeon
What is Gallbladder Surgery?
The gallbladder is a small pouch-shaped organ located below the liver. The fundamental capacity of the gallbladder is to store and focus bile. Bile is stored in the gallbladder and becomes more concentrated over time, thereby better digesting fat. Dr. Aditya J. Nanavati is one of the best Gall Bladder Cancer Surgeon in Mumbai who has successfully performed thousands of gallbladder surgeries and has many years of experience.
Your gallbladder stores and releases bile, a fluid produced in the liver to help with indigestion. Bile also carries waste products such as cholesterol and bilirubin, which your body produces when it breaks down red blood cells.
These things can form gallstones, ranging in size from the size of sand particles to the size of golf balls. You may not know you have them until they block the bile ducts and cause pain that requires immediate treatment.
What Are The Types Of Gallstones?
The two main types of gallstones are:
- Cholesterol stones – They are usually yellow-green in colour. They are the most common and account for 80% of gallstones.
- Pigment calculation – These are smaller and darker. They are made of bilirubin.
What Are The Signs & Symptoms Of Gallstones?
The signs and symptoms of gallstones may include:
- Severe Pain in the upper abdomen, for the most part on the right side
- Right shoulder or back pain under the ribs
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
- Other digestive problems, such as indigestion, heartburn, and flatulence
Go to the doctor or if you have a severe infection or for signs of inflammation, please go to the hospital. Dr. Aditya J. Nanavati is the most experienced Gall Bladder Cancer Surgeon in Mumbai with 8 years of experience as a Gastrointestinal Surgeon in Mumbai & Liver Doctor.
- Stomach pain that lasts for several hours
- Fever and chills
- Yellow skin or eyes
- Dark urine and light stool
What Causes Gallstones?
Doctors are not sure what causes gallstones, but they can occur in the following situations:
- There is too much cholesterol in the bile. Your body needs bile to digest. Usually dissolves cholesterol. But when you cannot do this, the extra cholesterol can form stones.
- There is too much bilirubin in the bile. Diseases such as liver cirrhosis, infections, and blood diseases can cause the liver to produce too much bilirubin.
- Your gallbladder is not completely empty. This can make your bile very concentrated.
What Are The Risk Factors for Gallstones?
Elements that might build your risk of gallstones include:
- Being female
- Being over age 40
- Being overweight or hefty
- Being pregnant
- Eating a high-fat eating regimen, elevated cholesterol, and low fibre diet
- Having a family background of gallstones
- Having diabetes
- Having certain blood problems, for example, sickle cell anaemia or leukaemia
- Losing weight in a short time
- Taking meds that contain estrogen, for example, oral contraceptives or chemical treatment drugs
- Having a liver illness
What Are The Complications Of Gallstones?
Complications of gallstones include:
- Inflammation of the gallbladder – Gallstones in the neck of the gallbladder can cause inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis).
- Common bile duct obstruction – Gallstones block the duct (catheter) that allows bile to flow into the intestine.
- Pancreatic duct obstruction – Gallstones can block the pancreatic duct, which can lead to inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). Pancreatitis can cause severe and persistent abdominal pain and usually requires hospitalization.
- Gallbladder cancer – People with a history of gallstones have an increased risk of gallbladder cancer.
How is a Diagnosis Of Gallstones Done?
Dr. Aditya Nanavati who is a Gastrointestinal Surgeon in Mumbai will perform a physical examination and may order the following tests:
- Blood tests. These will look for signs of infection or blockage and rule out other conditions.
- Ultrasound scan is a process that uses high-frequency sound waves which creates an image of the inside of your body.
- Computer tomography (CT scan). Professional X-rays allow your doctor to see the inside of your body, including your gallbladder.
- Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). This test uses magnetic fields and radio wave energy pulses to take pictures of the inside of your body, including your liver and gallbladder.
- Gallbladder imaging (HIDA scan). This test can check whether your gallbladder is tightening properly. Your doctor will inject a harmless radioactive substance into your organs. The technician can then observe your actions.
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Your doctor puts a tube called an endoscope through your mouth into your small intestine. They inject dye so they can see your bile duct in the camera on the endoscope. They can usually remove gallstones that enter the duct.
- Endoscopic ultrasound. This test is a procedure to assess gallstones, digestive and lung diseases.
How is Gallstone Treatment Done?
If you do not have any symptoms, you do not need treatment. In some cases, small gallstones usually pass through the body on their own.
Most people with gallstones have their gallbladder removed. Without it, you can still digest food. Your doctor will use one of two types of surgery:
- Laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This is the most common operation for gallstones. Your doctor inserts a thin tube called a laparoscope into your abdomen through a small incision. It has instruments, lamps and cameras. Your gallbladder is removed through another small incision.
- Open cholecystectomy. Your doctor will make a larger incision in your abdomen to remove your gallbladder. After that, you will stay in the hospital for a few days.
How To Prevent Gallstones?
Some lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of gallstones.
Eat a healthy diet rich in fibre and good fats, such as fish oil and olive oil. Avoid sugars, unhealthy fats and refined carbohydrates.
Exercise regularly. You should exercise for at least 30 minutes 5 days a week. Avoid diets that allow you to lose a lot of weight in a short period of time.
If you are a high-risk woman with gallstones (for example, due to your family history or other health problems), please consult your doctor on whether hormonal contraceptives should be avoided.
Why Choose Dr. Aditya J. Nanavati?
Dr. Aditya J. Nanavati is one of the well-known Gall Bladder Cancer Surgeon in Mumbai and also is a highly experienced Multi-Organ Transplant and Hepatobiliary Surgery. He provides surgical services in Cadaveric and Living donor liver transplantation.