Best Gallstones Doctors in Delhi

Gallstones are essentially hardened deposits that form within the gallbladder a small organ nestled beneath the liver. These stones can occur due to an excess of cholesterol or bilirubin in the bile, or if the gallbladder does not empty properly. When these stones block the bile ducts leading to the small intestine, it can result in severe abdominal discomfort and other complications.

In Delhi, lifestyle changes and dietary habits have contributed to an increased incidence of digestive diseases including gallstones. Fortunately, Apollo Hospitals has some of the best gallstone doctors and gallstone treatment specialists who provide excellent patient care and effective treatments.

Types/Stages of Gallstones

Understanding the types and stages of gallstones is crucial for diagnosis and determining the course of treatment. There are two main types of gallstones:

• Cholesterol Stones: These are yellow-green and are composed of undissolved cholesterol, these gallstones may also harbour additional biliary components.

  Cholesterol stones are the most common type.

• Pigment Stones: These are darker stones. They occur when red blood cells are destroyed and too much bilirubin is in the bile.

Symptoms of Gallstones

The symptoms of gallstones can vary from person to person. Common signs include:

• Pain in the upper right abdomen or at the centre of the stomach.

• Jaundice

• Itchy skin

• Diarrhoea.

• Loss of appetite.

Tests to Diagnose Gallstones

Specialists for gallstone treatment diagnose the condition by utilising a range of tests such as:

• Blood Tests: Blood tests can detect inflammation, infection or jaundice and offer clues to which organs are affected.

• Abdominal Radiography: This X-ray imaging technique helps visualise the abdomen and detect anomalies.

• Ultrasonography: This test uses sound waves to create images of the gallbladder to identify stones.

• Computed Tomography (CT): A CT scan provides detailed images of the abdomen to help doctors detect any abnormalities.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Gallstones at Apollo Hospitals in Delhi

Apollo Hospital in Delhi offers an array of treatments for gallstones. Here are some options:

• Oral Bile Salt Therapy: This non-surgical treatment entails taking bile acid pills that can dissolve certain types of gallstones.

• Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy: It uses shockwaves to break down small gallstones.

• Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): In this procedure, a flexible tube is inserted through the mouth and stomach to reach the bile ducts, where it removes or breaks up stones.

• Cholecystectomy: This surgical procedure involves the removal of the gallbladder to eliminate gallstones.