The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ tucked under the liver on the right side. It stores bile, which helps digest fats. When this bile becomes imbalanced, too much cholesterol, or poor emptying, stones may begin to form. These stones can be as tiny as 2–3 mm or sometimes grow to 2–3 cm. Some patients have a single stone; others may have multiple.
One of the most common complaints we hear related to the stomach is a dull or sudden pain on the right side of the upper abdomen, just below the rib cage. Many patients initially assume it is acidity or gas, especially after a heavy or oily meal. But quite often, an ultrasound reveals gallbladder stones.
Interestingly, not everyone with gallstones has symptoms. We often discover them incidentally during scans done for unrelated reasons. But once a stone blocks the cystic duct or slips into the bile duct, symptoms tend to appear, and that's when inflammation, or cholecystitis, becomes a concern.
Most patients describe the pain very specifically. It usually starts in the upper right abdomen and may travel towards the back, often between the shoulder blades or to the right shoulder. Other signs include:
If the pain wakes you up at night or keeps recurring in a similar pattern, it should not be ignored. If you are experiencing any of this, see our doctors for gall bladder stone treatment in Navi Mumbai.
In our setting, certain patterns are quite noticeable. Gallstones are more frequently seen in women, particularly after the age of 35–40. Hormonal factors do play a role.
Other common risk factors we encounter include:
It's rarely just one factor. Usually, it's a combination over time. Consult a gall bladder specialist in Navi Mumbai at UMC Hospitals for further evaluation.
Surgery is usually advised when:
Left untreated, gallstones may lead to repeated attacks, infection, or even inflammation of nearby organs like the pancreas. In practice, once symptoms start, surgery tends to be the more definitive solution. Highly experienced doctors at UMC Hospitals can advise you regarding gallstone surgery in Navi Mumbai.
Today, most gallbladder surgeries are minimally invasive. The standard approach is laparoscopic cholecystectomy. In this method, 3–4 small incisions, each about 0.5 to 1 cm, are made in the abdomen. A camera is inserted, and the gallbladder is removed safely. The procedure usually takes about 60 to 90 minutes. Most patients go home the next day.
Open surgery, involving a larger incision under the right rib margin, is now less common but may still be required in complicated situations. There are also procedures like ERCP, where stones in the bile duct can be removed without removing the gallbladder, but this is usually done in specific scenarios.
At UMC Hospitals, the approach is generally practical and patient-focused. Every case is evaluated individually, based on symptoms, scan findings, and overall health. In most cases, laparoscopic surgery is preferred, as it allows quicker recovery and less post-operative discomfort. Patients are usually mobilized within a few hours and can resume light activity within a few days. Many return to routine work in about 1–2 weeks.
What matters most, from a medical perspective, is timing. Addressing symptomatic gallstones early often prevents emergencies later. And that is something we repeatedly see: patients who choose timely intervention tend to recover more smoothly, with fewer complications. Consult experts at our Department of General Surgery for gall bladder removal surgery in Navi Mumbai.
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