By Dr. Mir Asif Rehman, Gallbladder & Laparoscopic Surgeon at Mirascare Clinics, Gurgaon

Millions of people worldwide suffer from gallbladder stones, also known as pith ki pathri in Hindi, one of the most prevalent digestive issues. We see a lot of patients with gallstone-related pain, indigestion, or discomfort at Mirascare Clinics in Gurgaon.

But what exactly are gallstones, why do they form, and how are they treated? Let’s understand.

What is the Gallbladder and Why Do Stones Form?

On the right side of your abdomen, directly beneath the liver, is a tiny organ called the gallbladder. Bile, a digestive fluid that aids in the breakdown of fatty foods, is stored there.

Gallstones can develop inside the gallbladder as a result of improper gallbladder function or excessively concentrated bile.

Common Causes of Gallstones

Gallstones are more common in certain groups of people. The major risk factors include:

• Hormonal changes in women – Dr. Mir Asif says mostly women in their 30s and 40s are more likely to develop gallstones due to hormonal fluctuations.

• Genetic factors – If your parents or siblings have gallstones, your risk is higher.
• Infections – Some bacterial or viral infections can damage the gallbladder and lead to stone formation.
• Blood disorders – Rarely, certain blood diseases can increase the risk of gallstones.

 In fact, studies and medical practice show that if 10 gallbladder surgeries are done, around 7–8 patients are women and only 2–3 are men.

Symptoms of Gallstones

Doctor Says, Not all gallstones cause problems. Many patients may experience no pain at all from silent (asymptomatic) stones. But when symptoms do appear, they could include:

• Pain in the upper right abdomen (especially after fatty meals)
• Nausea or vomiting
• Indigestion, bloating, or heaviness
• Fever or jaundice in severe cases (due to complications)

Do All Gallstones Need Surgery?

There are two approaches to gallstone treatment:

1. Asymptomatic gallstones – If stones are not causing pain or problems, sometimes surgery is not immediately needed. Regular monitoring is enough.
2. Symptomatic gallstones – If stones cause pain, vomiting, or complications, surgery is the only effective treatment.

Because gallstones can cause serious complications if left untreated, some surgeons advise preventive surgery even for patients who are asymptomatic. Dr Mir asif says..

Modern Treatment Options at Mirascare Clinics, Gurgaon

Previously, a large incision was made during open surgery to remove the gallbladder (cholecystectomy). However, the gold standard for treating gallstones nowadays is laparoscopic surgery.

Types of Laparoscopic Surgery:

• Conventional Laparoscopy – Four small incisions are made (at the belly button, above it, and two on the sides) to safely remove the gallbladder.
• Single-Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (Speciality at Mirascare Clinics) – At Mirascare Clinics, Gurgaon, Dr. Mir Asif Rehman specializes in performing gallbladder surgery through a single 11 mm incision at the belly button.

What are the advantages of single-incision surgery?

• Minimal pain and discomfort
• Hardly visible scar (cosmetically superior)
• Less risk of infection or bleeding
• Quick recovery and faster return to normal life

How to Prevent Gallstones?

While not all gallstones can be prevented, you can reduce your risk by:

• Maintaining a healthy weight (obesity increases risk)
• Eating a balanced diet rich in fiber and low in unhealthy fats
• Staying physically active
• Avoiding crash diets or sudden weight loss

Why Choose Dr. Mir Asif Rehman at Mirascare Clinics, Gurgaon?

• Over 7,500 successful laparoscopic and laser surgeries performed
• Specialist in advanced gallbladder and gastrointestinal surgeries
• Expertise in single-incision laparoscopic gallbladder surgery for faster recovery
• Patient-friendly care with modern facilities in Gurgaon

Final Thoughts by Dr Mir Asif Rehman

Gallstones are a very common problem, especially among women in their 30s and 40s. While not all gallstones need immediate treatment, once they cause symptoms, surgery is the safest and most effective option.

At Mirascare Clinics, Gurgaon, Dr. Mir Asif Rehman offers advanced and minimally invasive gallbladder surgery with excellent outcomes.

If you are experiencing abdominal pain, indigestion, or have been diagnosed with gallstones, consult Dr. Mir Asif at Mirascare Clinics for expert care.

According to Dr Mir, A renowned general and laparoscopic surgeon in India, says Gallstone disease, also known as cholelithiasis, is a common medical conditions in the pancreatobiliary system which solid particles or stones accumulate within the gallbladder or bile ducts. These stones can vary in size and content, causing a variety of symptoms and consequences.

Some Certain parts of the world have a higher prevalence of gallbladder stones than other areas. Even if you can consider it, gallbladder and biliary disease cases grew drastically from 26.35 million (95% UI: 22.79–30.60) in 1990 to 52.00 million (95% UI: 44.20–61.21) in 2019 (EAPC = 2.70 [95% CI: 2.58–2.81]). In India, it is estimated to be around 4%, while in the West, it is 10%.

The global burden of gallstone disease has been increasing over the years, and several factors contribute to this growing problem. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Prevalence:

Gallstone disease is one of the most common gastrointestinal illnesses in the world. It affects people of all ages and ethnicities, but it is more prevalent in women and persons over the age of 40.

2. Risk Factors:

On our website, we have already described how gallstones are caused by a variety of risk factors, including heredity, obesity, a high-fat diet, fast weight reduction, certain medical conditions (such as diabetes), and certain drugs. Obesity and metabolic syndrome are becoming more common in many nations, leading to an increased burden of gallstone disease.

Learn more about gall stone risk factor visit : https://www.mirascare.com/gallbladder-stone-treatment

3. Changing Diets:

High-fat, low-fiber diets have been linked to an increased risk of gallstone development. Gallstones are becoming increasingly common in various regions of the world as Western-style diets become more popular.

4. Obesity Epidemic:

The global obesity epidemic has a considerable impact on gallstone disease prevalence. Obesity can cause alterations in cholesterol metabolism and increased cholesterol release into bile, which can encourage gallstone development.

5. Healthcare Access:

Improved healthcare access and diagnostic capabilities have resulted in greater detection and reporting of gallstone disease patients in some locations. This, in turn, contributes to a larger recorded illness burden.

6. Complications:

Gallstones can induce acute cholecystitis, biliary colic, pancreatitis, and obstructive jaundice, among other consequences. These problems may necessitate hospitalization and surgical procedures, increasing the healthcare burden.

7. Aging Population:

The global population is aging, and gallstone disease is increasingly common in the elderly. Gallstone disease is projected to become more prevalent as the world’s population ages.

8. Emerging Economies:

Rapid economic development in emerging economies has resulted in lifestyle and dietary changes that may raise the risk of gallstone formation. Higher prevalence of gallstone disease have been linked to urbanization and a shift away from traditional diets and toward more Westernized ones.

9. Treatment Options :

Gallstone treatment may include sophisticated surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) techniques such as SILS Techniques or any other nonsurgical approaches such as medicines to dissolve stones. The treatment chosen is determined on the intensity of the symptoms as well as the patient’s overall health.

Dr. Mir says that after consultation with different types of people for gallstone treatment, it is critical to recognise that gallstone disease is a multifaceted disorder involving a complex interplay of hereditary, environmental, and lifestyle variables. Preventive measures like keeping a healthy weight, eating a well-balanced diet, and increasing physical exercise can help lower the risk of getting gallstones.

Medical and surgical treatments are available to patients suffering with symptomatic gallstones. The increasing global burden of gallstone disease emphasizes the critical relevance of public health measures targeted at preventing and controlling this widespread medical condition.

https://www.worldgastroenterology.org/publications/e-wgn/e-wgn-expert-point-of-view-articles-collection/the-growing-global-burden-of-gallstone-disease

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmed.2022.1002325

Most gallstone patients do not face any serious complications but at times, it may lead to a few issues which are mentioned below. Gallbladder cancer is the last one on this list because of the scarce chances of its occurrence.

Complications caused by Gallbladder stone are:

• Cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder)
• Cholangitis (inflammation of bile duct)
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Gallstone Ileus (blockage in the intestine)

Cholecystitis

Cholecystitis occurs when the gallstone lodges in the neck of the gallbladder or in one of the bile ducts. The symptoms include continuous severe pain in the upper abdomen for around 12 hours; fever, nausea, vomiting and tenderness while touching the abdomen.

This is usually treated with painkillers, antibiotics (in case of any infection), fluids given through a drip in the vein and removing the gallbladder altogether.

Cholangitis

Cholangitis is the inflammation of bile ducts. It occurs when the bile ducts are blocked and get infected with bacteria from the small intestine. Its symptoms include jaundice, pain in abdomen and fever. It is a serious condition that requires urgent treatment.

Pancreatitis

It is a condition that mostly occurs when there are numerous small stones present in the gall bladder as they block the pancreatic duct. People suffering from pancreatitis complain of fever, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain that feels like traveling to the back. This is also a serious condition that demands urgent treatment and removal of the gallbladder.

Gallbladder stone Ileus

This condition occurs when gallstones block the small or large intestine. The gallstones pave their way through the wall of the gallbladder to the intestine, causing a blockage. That’s when the problem of gallstone ileus occurs. The symptoms of Gallstone Ileus are as common as abdominal pain, vomiting, and constipation. But it is also accompanied by abdominal bloating. Gallbladder stone surgery is the most relevant treatment.

Gallbladder cancer

Patients with gallstones are at higher risk of getting affected with gallbladder cancer than the others. But the chances are extremely low, almost scant – most people with gallstones never develop gallbladder cancer. In this case, as well, removal of the affected organ i.e. gallbladder is the preferred treatment alternative,

So, fret not! Get your Gallbladder stone removed and lead a healthy normal life.

Contact us Now : Best Gallbladder (SILS) Specialist in Gurgaon – Dr. Mir Asif Rehman :- (+91 8882 521 281 )

Also Learn More About :- SILS (Single Incision Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy)