Gallstones are hard deposits that form in the gallbladder. They can be as small as a grain of sand or as big as a golf ball. Gallstones can cause many painful symptoms and health problems if they are not removed. This article will look at the top five surgical ways to remove gallstones and give you the information you need to choose one. 

How does the gallbladder work?

To comprehend the severity of gallstones, it's essential to grasp the function and appearance of the gallbladder. This small, pear-shaped organ rests beneath the liver and plays a crucial role in digestion by storing bile—a fluid produced by the liver that aids in fat breakdown. Seeking gall bladder stone treatment is imperative for addressing any issues related to gallstones.

Gallstones can form when there is excess cholesterol or bilirubin in the bile that is stored in the gallbladder. These stone-like growths may not cause any symptoms. They are often found during regular checkups. But if gallstones block the flow of bile, they can cause a gallbladder attack, which is a sharp pain in the upper right part of the abdomen.

Gallstones can cause serious problems, like infections, inflammation of the gallbladder, damage to the bile duct, and pancreatitis, depending on their size, quantity, and location. These problems can worsen quickly, so it is important to see a doctor and get the stones removed. 

1. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the best way to do it

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is often the best choice among the different types of surgery. For this minimally invasive procedure, a few small cuts are made in the abdomen. The surgeon inserts a laparoscope, which is a thin tube with a light and a camera on the end, through one of the cuts. The camera sends a picture to a monitor, which gives the surgeon a clear view of the gallbladder and the area around it. The other cuts let the surgeon insert tools that make it easier to remove the gallbladder.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the preferred method because it is less likely to cause problems and takes less time to heal. Most patients require a short hospital stay and get back to their normal lives in a week or two.

2. Open cholecystectomy: A Tried and Tested Method

Open cholecystectomy is another common option for gallbladder surgery. The surgeon makes a single, large cut in the abdomen through which the gallbladder is taken out. Even though open cholecystectomy is more invasive than laparoscopic surgery, it is a safe and effective way to treat gallbladder stones.

But because the incision is bigger, people who have an open cholecystectomy often have to stay in the hospital longer and take longer to heal. The chance of problems like wound infections is also higher.

Read more about Clearing Up Gallbladder Stone Misconceptions

3. ERCP or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography,

ERCP is a special procedure to find out what's wrong with the bile and pancreatic ducts and to treat them. The procedure is done with the help of an endoscope, which is a flexible, light-filled tube that is inserted down the throat, through the stomach, and into the small intestine. At this point, a catheter is put into the bile ducts, which is a smaller tube.

With the catheter, a dye is injected into the ducts so that they can be seen on an X-ray. With this clear picture, the surgeon can find and remove gallstones that are causing blockages.

4. Drainage of the gallbladder (Percutaneous Cholecystostomy)

Percutaneous cholecystostomy, which is another name for gallbladder drainage, is a procedure for high-risk patients who may not be able to have surgery. With this method, a tube is put into the gallbladder to drain the bile and ease the symptoms. Even though it doesn't treat the cause of gallstones, it can help patients feel better until a more permanent solution can be found.

5. Medicines

Medications are not alternatives for surgery, but they can be used to treat gallstones. They contain bile salts like ursodeoxycholic acid, which can help break up gallstones. But it can take years for these medicines to work, and the stones can come back after the treatment stops.

How to Get Around in the Surgical World?

To summarize, the best way to treat gallstones depends on the size and number of the stones, the overall health of the patient, and other factors. It's important to consult specialists who can weigh the risks and benefits of each method. Comprehensive gallbladder stone treatment is available at reputed hospitals having skilled staff and cutting-edge facilities. Patients can ensure they get the best and most complete care possible by going to the right hospital.