Gallstones affect around 10-15 per cent of the population and most cause no symptoms. Where stones cause symptoms, inflammation or pancreatitis, treatment is laparoscopic removal of the gallbladder together with its stones. This is the operation for which the keyhole approach is the gold standard in general surgery; patients are usually discharged the same or the following day.
- Gallstones
- Cholecystitis
- Laparoscopic cholecystectomy
- Common bile duct stones
- Biliary strictures
- Gallbladder polyps
- Biliary cysts
- Gallbladder and bile duct cancers
- ERCP and advanced endoscopic procedures
The gallbladder is a small organ beneath the liver. It stores the bile produced by the liver and empties it into the intestine when a fatty meal is eaten. When the balance of bile components is disturbed, stones form inside the gallbladder.
Symptoms
The classic symptom is an attack of pain known as biliary colic:
- Felt in the upper right or upper middle abdomen
- May radiate to the back and beneath the right shoulder blade
- Usually starts after a fatty meal, often in the evening or at night
- Lasts from 30 minutes to a few hours, sometimes with nausea and vomiting
Symptoms requiring urgent assessment: severe abdominal pain lasting more than six hours, fever and shivering (cholecystitis), yellowing of the eyes and skin with dark urine and pale stools (bile duct obstruction), severe pain radiating to the back with persistent vomiting (pancreatitis).
Does Every Stone Need Surgery?
No. Silent gallstones causing no symptoms are generally observed. Surgery is recommended when:
- Attacks of biliary colic are occurring
- There has been an episode of cholecystitis
- Stone-related pancreatitis has developed
- A stone has passed into the bile duct
- There is a gallbladder polyp larger than 1 cm
- A calcified "porcelain" gallbladder is found
Unlike kidney stones, lithotripsy is not routinely used for gallstones. Dissolving medication achieves only partial success in highly selected cases, and stones often re-form once it is stopped.
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Under general anaesthesia, 3-4 small openings are made in the abdominal wall; using a camera and specialised instruments the gallbladder, bile duct and feeding artery are identified and the gallbladder is removed in its entirety. The operation takes 45-60 minutes on average and most patients are discharged the same or the following day.
Bile Duct Stones and Advanced Procedures
When a stone passes from the gallbladder into the main bile duct, jaundice, fever and pancreatitis can develop. In this case the stone is removed by an endoscopic procedure called ERCP, after which gallbladder surgery is planned. Biliary strictures and cysts require advanced surgical techniques.
What Happens Once the Gallbladder Is Removed?
The gallbladder is a reservoir; the liver produces bile and continues to do so after the gallbladder is removed. Bile now flows directly into the intestine. Most patients return to normal eating after a period. Avoiding very fatty and fried foods for the first 4-6 weeks and keeping meals small and frequent makes the adjustment easier.
More Than 5,000 Laparoscopic Cholecystectomies
Gallbladder and biliary tract disease is listed as liver and gallbladder surgery on Op. Dr. Ersan Semerci's Medical Park doctor profile. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the operation for which the keyhole approach is most widely used in general surgery, and he has been performing it since the early years of his career.
- To date, more than 5,000 laparoscopic cholecystectomies
- Surgery for bile duct stones, biliary strictures and biliary cysts
- Work in advanced endoscopic procedures, including ERCP
- Laparoscopic Solid Organ Surgery Course, Gazi University, Ankara (2011)
Consultations and operations are carried out at Medicalpark Mersin Hospital. Op. Dr. Ersan Semerci has practised in Mersin since 2010. Patients travelling from Mersin and neighbouring provinces can book via WhatsApp.
Book on WhatsAppCan gallstones be dissolved with medication?
Partial success can be achieved in small cholesterol stones of particular characteristics after months of treatment. However, this is not suitable for every stone and stones often re-form once treatment stops.
Do I need a diet after my gallbladder is removed?
A strict lifelong diet is not required. Avoiding very fatty and fried foods for the first 4-6 weeks and then eating a balanced diet is sufficient.
I have stones but no symptoms. Should I have surgery?
Stones causing no symptoms are usually observed. However, conditions such as diabetes, numerous small stones or a gallbladder polyp may change the decision.
Consultation and Appointments in Mersin
For symptoms within Gallbladder and Biliary Tract you can book an appointment at Medicalpark Mersin Hospital. Mezitli / Mersin, Turkey, weekdays 09:00-17:00.
WhatsApp: +90 542 236 05 33Disclaimer. This page is provided for general information only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or a treatment recommendation, and it is not a substitute for examination, diagnosis and treatment by a physician. The content is not tailored to any individual and is not intended as advertising. Which method is suitable for you can only be determined after examination and the necessary investigations. Consult your own doctor about any decision concerning your health.