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The best Gallbladder surgeon in Hyderabad, Dr. Datta Ram U answers…

The gallbladder is a small pear-shaped organ situated beneath the liver. The primary function of the gall bladder is to store and concentrate bile secreted by the liver. The gall bladder has a tremendous water-absorbing capacity as it concentrates bile and digestive fluid and releases bile into the small intestine.

Do Gallbladder stones always cause problems?

No, though 15-20% of the population in India and elsewhere (some regions, the incidence is much higher) have Gallstones, the majority of them are asymptomatic. In them, the stones are detected incidentally. Some of them develop symptoms over time and some develop complications due to gallstones, which can be very serious. Silent/ asymptomatic gallstones do not cause any problems even if they are large. However, when they get inflamed or irritated, they can cause problems.

Is surgery the only treatment for gallbladder stones?

Unfortunately, Surgery is the only treatment for those who have symptoms due to gallstones and for those who develop complications. Unlike kidney stones, gallstones are different and the problem can be cured only by removing the gall bladder by surgery. 

Am I at risk of getting gallstones?

The following factors may increase your risk of gallstone formation: having a family history of gallstones, a low-fiber diet, a high-fat diet, a sedentary lifestyle, age 40 years or above, being female, eating a high-cholesterol diet, and having diabetes.

If I drink more water, can I be able to get rid of gallbladder stones?

No, you cannot get rid of your gallstones by drinking more water. It is always good and healthy to keep yourself hydrated.

Are there any alternative methods to get rid of gallbladder stones?

No, surgery is the only and the best treatment even today. The problems of gallstones can be serious and we urge patients not to try any unproven, unconventional treatment for gallstones as sometimes the complications of Gallstones can be serious and life-threatening. Medicines are useful if there is an infection and a doctor prescribes antibiotics and analgesics to temporarily relieve pain. In general, there is no proven and effective medical therapy for gallstones.  

Is treatment necessary for all gallstones?

Yes, treatment is necessary for patients who have symptoms. Those who do not have any kind of symptoms or complications can wait and follow up with the surgeon and gastroenterologist and consider surgery when they develop the slightest symptoms. Surgery (Gallbladder removal, Cholecystectomy) is the best and only treatment for symptomatic patients. 

Is there any possibility of removing only gallstones and retaining the gallbladder through surgery?

No, it is not possible to remove the stones alone and retain the gall bladder.  Many patients ask me the same question when they consult me. The reason is, that the gallbladder does not have any vital function, and once the stones are formed the gallbladder function is lost. The gallbladder is the only site where the stones are formed and if we retain the gallbladder, stones and the related problems are going to come back. Furthermore, one should understand that technically it is not possible to remove the stones alone as it can cause bile leak and serious complications. Gall bladder removal is the simplest treatment and offers a cure for the problem.

Which is the best treatment for gallstones?

The best treatment for gallstones is the surgical removal of the gallbladder. This is the only and the simplest treatment.  Surgery cures the problem and the stones are not going to come back. You will get rid of the gallstone problem. Once symptomatic it is always advisable to get the surgery (Gallbladder removal) as soon as possible because once you develop symptoms, the symptoms are not only recurring, but the risk of developing complications also increases significantly.

Can medicines dissolve and remove gallstones?

No, medicines do not work for dissolving and treating gallstones. This is the biggest myth about gallstones and patients are often lured by the myth by unconventional therapists and fall into the trap of ineffective treatments. UDCA (Urso de oxy cholic acid) is a drug that helps in obstructive jaundice and may help from the stone size increasing. But this is not an effective therapy and I don’t advise this medicine for treatment because the drug is not only expensive, needs to be taken indefinitely (long-term therapy), and overall, it is ineffective in curing stones and preventing symptoms or complications. In my opinion, there is no effective medical therapy.

Are gallstones hereditary?

Yes, gallstone formation is hereditary as almost 30 to 35% of gallstone cases run in families.

What are the complications of gallstones?

Gallstones can cause serious complications.

• Infection of the gall bladder (calculus cholecystitis), pus formation (empyema), perforation, and gangrene (severe infection, the gall bladder can break and cause serious complications which can be life-threatening.
• Jaundice and cholangitis- Gallstones can spill into the bile duct and block the bile duct. When the bile duct gets blocked, the stone hinders the flow of bile and the patient will develop jaundice, i.e., yellowish discoloration of the eyes. There is also an upward spread of infection into the bloodstream and the patient develops a high-grade fever (Cholangitis, a serious condition). The patient can become sick and septic, requiring ICU care, IV antibiotics, and an intervention called ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) for bile duct stone removal and relief of bile duct obstruction.
• Mirrizzi syndrome- a gallstone stuck in the neck part of the gall bladder can cause compression of the bile duct and erode into the bile duct, this can block the bile duct and cause jaundice and cholangitis.
• Acute pancreatitis- gall stones can spill into the intestine through the bile duct and while passing through, they trigger Acute Pancreatitis which is a serious and life-threatening condition.  Gallstones are the leading cause of Acute pancreatitis. This can further get complicated by organ failure, necrosis (death of tissue) of the pancreas and the tissue around the pancreas, and the necrotic tissues can get infected (Infected Pancreatic necrosis) which is a serious condition. 

What are the signs and symptoms of a serious gallbladder complication?

Many people don’t have any clue about the complications of a troubling gallstone. If you develop intense or severe abdominal pain that doesn’t let you sit still or find a comfortable position. If you also have a high fever with chills and jaundice (yellowing of skin and whites of the eyes), then you must seek immediate medical care.

Learn about Gallbladder surgery cost

If you are searching for the best surgeon for gallbladder removal in Hyderabad, then meet Dr. Datta Ram U.

Millions of people across the globe suffer from hemorrhoids or piles. One of the major reasons for this condition is constipation. When a person develops constipation, he or she applies excessive pressure and force to the abdominal and rectal tissues and blood vessels during bowel movements. When this happens regularly, then the blood vessels in the anal and rectal regions swell and bunch together – which eventually leads to hemorrhoids or piles.

The uncomfortable and annoying symptoms of piles include bleeding while passing stools, and pain. Piles come out of the anus – which may have to be pushed in or never go in; itching around the anus. Untreated piles can lead to blood loss over a long period and cause anemia ( low hemoglobin) – which in turn can lead to tiredness and heart failure.

Types of Piles

External piles and internal piles

External piles develop on the external part or outer surface of the anus.

Internal piles: pile develops in the inner anal canal or the inner rectal region. Internal piles are inside the anal canal. These are the ones that bleed and come out of the anal canal. Internal piles are the most common cause of symptoms.

Both these types of piles trouble by causing annoying symptoms. Someone suffering from piles may find it difficult to carry out their daily activities owing to the discomfort they experience. Many people resort to home-based remedies and alternative treatments to get relief from the nagging symptoms. Unfortunately, these are the only temporary approaches as they do not cure the condition permanently.

Many people waste their precious time, money, and health desperately wandering everywhere in search of a better option, not realizing the fact that surgery is the best treatment option to cure piles. Over the years surgical approaches have improved incorporating modern technical advancements.

One such robust surgical option is piles laser treatment. Piles laser surgery is setting new benchmarks and it is emerging as the most sought-after treatment for piles.

Piles Laser Treatment in Hyderabad

Expert piles surgeons recommend laser surgery to treat piles when the patient experiences extreme pain and bleeding because this is the best way to treat symptomatic piles.

Piles shrink in size and get thrombosed and fibrosed ( clot and scar) – which eventually stop bleeding.

An experienced surgical gastroenterologist with expertise in laser surgery uses a laser beam to burn and shrink hemorrhoids. When a laser beam falls on swollen tissues, it disrupts blood flow. Laser surgery for piles is a less invasive procedure. the pain and bleeding are quite less. The procedure is a daycare wherein the patient can go home within the same day of surgery. The recovery is short and comfortable.

Advantages of Laser surgery for piles

• Less pain and less bleeding compared with traditional surgery
• Recovery time is comparatively short
• The risk of post-surgical infection is less
• Fewer complications

Laser treatment for piles cost in Hyderabad

Piles laser treatment cost in Hyderabad: The treatment is quite affordable. It depends on the surgical gastroenterologist’s experience and expertise, type of anesthesia, general health of the patient, age, and other health issues. The average laser treatment cost of piles may range anywhere between Rs. 50000 to Rs. 60000 and the maximum can go up to Rs. 75000. Some hospitals offer special packages and offers, so you should talk to your gastro surgeon whether you can avail such offers.

Bottom Line

Piles laser treatment is minimally invasive with minimal blood loss and shorter hospital stay; the recovery is faster than any other surgical procedure. To know more about laser treatment, meet Dr. Datta Ram U.

Gallbladder removal surgery, medically known as cholecystectomy, is a common procedure performed to treat various gallbladder-related conditions. This surgery offers several significant benefits to patients. Here are the top 10 advantages of gallbladder removal surgery:

Benefits of gallbladder removal

1. Relief from Gallstone Pain

The primary reason for gallbladder removal is to alleviate the pain caused by gallstones. Once the gallbladder is removed, there is no longer a risk of gallstones causing painful blockages.

2. Improved Digestion

While the gallbladder plays a role in storing and releasing bile, its removal does not typically disrupt digestion significantly. The body can still produce enough bile to digest food adequately.

3. Quick Recovery

Most patients can return to their normal activities within a few days to a week after laparoscopic gallbladder removal, thanks to small incisions and minimal invasiveness.

4. Minimal Scarring

Laparoscopic surgery results in tiny incisions, leading to minimal scarring compared to traditional open surgery.

5. Reduced Risk of Gallstone Complications

Gallstones can lead to severe complications, such as infection or pancreatitis. Gallbladder removal eliminates these risks.

6. No Dietary Restrictions

Patients can usually return to a regular diet shortly after gallbladder removal, without the need for dietary restrictions related to gallstones.

7. Lower Risk of Recurrence

Gallstone-related pain and complications are less likely to recur after gallbladder removal, providing long-term relief.

8. Improved Quality of Life

Patients often experience an improvement in their overall quality of life after gallbladder removal, as they no longer have to endure the pain and discomfort associated with gallstones.

9. Decreased Risk of Gallbladder Cancer

Gallbladder cancer is rare but can be associated with gallstones. Removing the gallbladder can reduce the risk of developing this cancer.

10. Less Frequent Digestive Upset

Some individuals experience digestive discomfort after consuming fatty foods due to a lack of bile storage. However, this issue is usually manageable and not a significant concern for most patients.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, gallbladder removal surgery offers numerous benefits, including relief from gallstone pain, improved digestion, quick recovery, minimal scarring, and a reduced risk of complications associated with gallstones. While some minor dietary adjustments may be necessary, most patients can enjoy a normal and pain-free life after gallbladder removal. It’s essential to discuss the potential benefits and risks with your healthcare provider to determine if this surgery is the right option for you.

In this regard, you can meet Dr. Datta Ram U – an expert laparoscopic gallbladder surgeon at KIMS Hospitals, Gachibowli Hyderabad.