Gallstones Treatment

How are Gallstones Diagnosed?

Gallstones are usually diagnosed based on the patient's symptoms and imaging tests. The most common test for finding gallstones is an abdominal ultrasound. An endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) can help to diagnose stones that are smaller and may not be visible on a regular ultrasound.

Some additional tests that doctors may recommend include a hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scan, computerised tomography (CT), magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Blood tests can help detect infection, jaundice, pancreatitis or other problems that can result from gallstones.

How are Gallstones Treated Based on Severity?

The following are treatment approaches that doctors generally recommend for gallstones based on the severity of symptoms:

Types of Gallstones and Their Treatment

The treatment options for different types of gallstones are mentioned in the table below:

Gallstones Treatment for Different Stages

Here is an overview of how gallstones are treated as per their development stages:

Surgeries and Procedures for Gallstones Treatment

Doctors may recommend the following treatments for managing gallstones:

Oral Medicines for Gallstones

The following oral medications may be prescribed to dissolve existing gallstones or help prevent stones in high-risk cases:

• Ursodiol: This medicine contains ursodeoxycholic acid, which helps dissolve certain gallstones when surgery is not suitable.

• Chenodiol: This medication may help dissolve cholesterol gallstones in selected cases where surgery is not possible.

Note: It is recommended to consult a doctor before consuming any medications during gallstones treatment.

Ayurvedic and Alternative Treatments for Gallstones

The following Ayurvedic and alternative approaches may be used to gallstones treatment:

• Ayurvedic Detox Therapies: Therapies such as Vamana and Virechana are traditionally used for detoxification.

• Gallbladder Cleanses: Some alternative practitioners recommend combinations such as lemon juice and olive oil or apple juice and vegetable juice as gallbladder cleanses.

• Pain Management Therapies: Ayurvedic therapies such as Parisheka, which involves pouring a continuous stream of medicated herbal decoction over the lower abdomen, and Avahan Sweda, which involves applying warm oil and massaging the body, may be used for pain management.

Disclaimer: Ayurvedic and alternative treatments must be taken as per the guidance of a qualified medical practitioner.

Home Care for Managing Gallstones

The following home care tips can help manage gallstones:

• Take painkillers such as paracetamol to manage mild pain.

• Ask your doctor about stronger painkillers if the pain is severe.

• Eat regular meals, as skipping meals or fasting can reduce gallbladder emptying.

• Opt for smaller portions to help reduce gallstone symptoms.

• Drink plenty of fluids for hydration.

• Eat breakfast soon after waking up, as cholesterol concentrations are highest in bile produced overnight.

Latest Treatment for Gallstones in India

Many Indian hospitals now offer robotic cholecystectomy, an advanced form of gallbladder removal performed using robotic technology. Through small keyhole incisions, surgeons use a high-definition 3D camera and robotic instruments to achieve greater precision and manoeuvrability during surgery.

Another latest treatment is laser gallstone removal. It is a minimally invasive procedure that uses concentrated laser energy to break gallstones into tiny pieces so they can be removed or pass through the bile ducts. However, it is usually preferred for selected patients, as the gallstones remain in place and can form additional stones.

How Long Does Gallstone Treatment Take?

The duration of gallstone treatment and recovery period varies depending on the type of treatment prescribed by the doctor. Here is a quick overview of how long gallstone treatment takes:

Gallstones Treatment Side Effects

Medicines and gallbladder removal surgery can have different side effects, including:

Lifestyle Changes for Managing Gallstones

Here are some lifestyle changes that can reduce the risk of complications and manage symptoms of gallstones:

• Follow a fibre-rich diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while avoiding any processed foods and trans fats.

• Focus on maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.

• Lose extra weight if you are overweight.

• Stay physically active without putting excessive strain on your body.

• Avoid alcohol intake.

• Quit smoking, as it may increase the risk of gallstones and worsen symptoms.

Triggers That Can Worsen Gallstones Symptoms

There are certain foods, habits, and health conditions that can make gallstone symptoms worse. These include:

• Eating fried food or food that is high in fats

• Skipping meals or fasting for long durations

• Rapid weight loss or crash dieting

• Eating large meals

• Regularly eating refined sugar and processed food items

• Physical inactivity

• Poorly controlled diabetes

• Sudden weight gain

• Pregnancy-related hormonal changes

• Excessive alcohol consumption

Gallstones Treatment Cost

The final cost of gallstones treatment depends entirely on the treatment that doctors recommend. Gallstones treatment can cost ₹50,000 to ₹1.5 lakh in India, depending on the type of surgery recommended. A laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery can cost ₹50,000 to ₹90,000, while open cholecystectomy surgery costs between ₹70,000 and ₹1.2 lakh.

Additional expenses may be required for abdominal ultrasounds (₹1,200 or more), blood tests (₹200 or more), and endoscopic ultrasounds (₹1,000 or more).

Does Health Insurance Cover Gallstones Treatment in India?

Yes, health insurance policies in India generally cover the cost of gallstone treatment, when it is medically necessary. The coverage includes day care procedures such as advanced laparoscopic surgery, in-patient hospitalisation, surgery including cholecystectomy, pre- and post-hospitalisation, and other services, depending on the policy.

If gallstones are a pre-existing condition, a longer waiting time of up to 3 years may apply.

It is advisable to have a cover of at least ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh so that surgery and other treatment costs are covered adequately. Those who are elderly or who have other medical conditions that put them at higher risk of complications can consider a higher coverage amount.

Disclaimer: As coverage terms can differ between policies, you should read the policy documents carefully before purchasing a health insurance plan.