Best Doctors For Gallstones Treatment in Indore

Gallstones are small, hardened deposits found within the gallbladder, a small organ under the liver. They may vary in size and number. The primary causes of gallstones include excess cholesterol or bilirubin in bile, or the gallbladder failing to empty. If left untreated, gallstones can lead to severe pain, infection, and even damage to the gallbladder or surrounding organs. Gallstones that don't cause any signs and symptoms typically don't need treatment.

In Indore, lifestyle factors such as unhealthy diets rich in fats and low in fibre, along with a sedentary lifestyle, have been linked to a higher prevalence of gallstones. Fortunately, Apollo Hospitals boasts some of the best gallstone doctors and gallstone treatment specialists capable of treating this condition effectively.

Types/Stages of Gallstones

Gallstones can be primarily categorised into two types, while the stages of gallstone development typically include the Lithogenic state (formation), Asymptomatic gallstones (silent), Symptomatic gallstones (causing discomfort), and Complicated cholelithiasis (leading to significant complications):

• Cholesterol Stones: These are yellow-green stones caused by an imbalance where the liver produces more cholesterol than the bile can dissolve.

• Pigment Stones: These are brown or black stones formed when the gallbladder can't break down excess bilirubin.

Symptoms of Gallstones

Gallstone symptoms can vary widely, but common signs include:

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

• Jaundice and itchy skin.

• Diarrhoea

• Loss of appetite.

• Sporadic, intense, and dull pain lasting 1-5 hours.

Tests to Diagnose Gallstones

Gallstones are usually diagnosed through a series of tests such as:

• Radiography and Imaging: Tests such as abdominal radiography, computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) may be utilized.

• Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS): EUS offers a more detailed view of the gallbladder and bile ducts compared to a regular abdominal ultrasound. This detects potentially hidden smaller stones that might be missed by the standard scan.

• Blood test:

  Blood tests can detect infections, jaundice, pancreatitis, or other complications resulting from gallstones.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Gallstones at Apollo Hospitals in Indore

Apollo Hospitals in Indore has the best doctors For gallstones. Treatment for gallstones is tailored to the patient's specific condition. Some options include:

• Expectant Management: For asymptomatic gallstones, where no intervention is required unless symptoms develop.

• Cholecystectomy: Surgical removal of the gallbladder is often suggested for severe cases or those causing significant discomfort.

• Oral Bile Salt Therapy: Medications like Ursodiol or Chenodiol may be prescribed to help dissolve cholesterol stones.

• Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy (ESWL): A technique using shock waves to break down small gallstones.