Best Gallstones Doctors in Visakhapatnam

Gallstones are hardened deposits of bile formed from substances like cholesterol and bilirubin within the gallbladder. They vary in size from tiny grains to large balls. The main causes include excess cholesterol or bilirubin in bile and a gallbladder that doesn't empty properly. Risk factors such as obesity, rapid weight loss, ageing, certain medications, and genetic predisposition also contribute.

In Vizag, as in other cities, the incidence of gallstones is increasing because of sedentary lifestyles and diets high in fat and low in fibre. Fortunately, Apollo Hospitals in Vizag has a team of specialists dedicated to gallstone treatment and state-of-the-art facilities. Their expert team, comprising cholecystic stone removal specialists and gall bladder stone treatment doctors, provides personalised care for every patient. With their advanced techniques and expertise, Apollo Hospitals guarantees the highest quality of care for gall bladder stone treatment.

Types/Stages of Gallstones

Gallstones fall into two main types:

• Cholesterol Stones: Made mainly of hardened cholesterol, these form about 80% of gallstones.

• Pigment Stones: Darker in colour due to higher bilirubin levels, they are less common than cholesterol stones.

Symptoms of Gallstones

While some people with gallstones are asymptomatic, others may experience a 'gallbladder attack,' characterised by:

• Severe upper abdominal pain

• Discomfort between the shoulder blades or around the right shoulder

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)

Tests to Diagnose Gallstones

At Apollo Hospital, Vizag, various tests are used for gallstone diagnosis:

• Ultrasound: The most common detection method.

• Hepatobiliary Iminodiacetic Acid Scan (HIDA) Scan: Evaluates gallbladder and bile duct function.

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Provides detailed images of the bile ducts.

• Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS): It provides a detailed view of the digestive tract.

• Blood Tests: Detect infections, obstructions, pancreatitis, or jaundice.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Gallstones at Apollo Hospitals, Vizag

At Apollo Hospitals in Vizag, patients benefit from a range of comprehensive treatment options provided by gallstones treatment specialists. These options include:

• Medication: Medications like ursodiol and chenodiol to break up gallstones. These medications contain bile acids, which work to break up the stones.

• Cholecystectomy: This surgical procedure involves the removal of the gallbladder and is considered as the only reliable long-term solution for gallstones

• Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and Gallstone Removal: This endoscopic procedure aims to locate and remove stones in the bile duct, providing effective relief for patients with gallbladder stones.