The gallbladder is a small-sized organ located below the liver in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen. Its primary function is to store bile juice that assists digestion. Gallbladder stones are a medical condition wherein hardened deposits of cholesterol and bilirubin develop and sometimes get lodged in the gallbladder or bile ducts. These stones may vary from the size of a golf ball to a grain of rice. Many stones may develop simultaneously. These stones can leave the gallbladder and get stuck along the way.

This is when a person may feel the first instance of abdominal pain and discomfort. Interestingly, large gallbladder stones usually stay in the gallbladder and do not cause discomfort. Depending on the size and distress caused, these stones can be removed surgically or via symptomatic care. Contact Dr. G Rajshekar Reddy, the best Gallstone treatment in Hyderabad.

Gallbladder stones are usually harmless and dissolve on their own. But, they may be life-threatening if these stones block any duct or cause an infection. Hence, it is worthwhile to take preventive measures. Avoid processed food; consume more fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, grains, and nuts. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle reduces the chance of acquiring many diseases.

What does the gallbladder do?

The gallbladder stores and releases bile into the small intestine as you eat to help digest fat.

Does the gallbladder produce bile?

No. The bile fluid is produced in the liver and stored in the gallbladder. A duct system beginning at the liver helps bile pass in and out of the gallbladder.

What are gallstones?

Gallstones are hardened deposits of bile formed in your gallbladder and can range in size from a sand grain to a golf ball.

How can gallstones affect you?

Sometimes, gallstones can block the gallbladder’s outlet. If this happens when the gallbladder contracts to release bile, you may feel a sharp pain or nausea. These symptoms usually occur after a meal.

How long does the pain from gallbladder attacks last?

Some gallbladder attacks are minor, so the pain will subside within a few minutes to hours, while others are more severe and may need immediate medical treatment. If you have already experienced a gallbladder attack, you can expect more of them in the future.

How can you know if you have gallstones?

An ultrasound or a CT scan can help detect the presence of gallstones.

Can you have gallbladder attacks without gallstones?

When the bile inside your gallbladder becomes thick, it might become difficult for the bladder to release it easily. In such circumstances, your gallbladder will send the same signals as if it were obstructed by gallstones, resulting in symptoms similar to gallbladder attacks.

Can gallstones move out of the gallbladder?

Yes. It is a rare but severe problem. After leaving the gallbladder, gallstones may block the ducts between the intestine and the liver, causing a life-threatening infection called ascending cholangitis.

How can gallstones be treated?

Either can treat gallstones:

• Cholecystectomy (surgery to remove the gallbladder)
• Medicine (for patients who cannot undergo surgery)

Can gallstones cause pancreatitis?

Yes, gallstones can lead to inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). This happens when the gallstone traveling through the bile duct obstructs the pancreatic duct, which joins the duct passing from the liver to the intestine.

Have more questions about gallbladder diseases? Contact Dr. G Rajshekar Reddy, the best gastro surgeon in Hyderabad, who is highly experienced in diagnosing and treating gallstone conditions with our least invasive treatment options, ensuring quicker recoveries and better outcomes each time!