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Gallstone Surgery: Types, Procedure & Recovery Guide

Experiencing constant abdominal pain due to gallbladder stones? Consult with Pristyn Care's expert for gallbladder removal surgery.

Experiencing constant abdominal pain due to gallbladder stones? Consult with Pristyn Care's expert ... Read More

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    Dr. Anu Antony Varghese (j7nRnpKhJT)

    Dr. Anu Antony Varghese

    MBBS, MS-General Surgery
    26 Yrs.Exp.

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    26 Years Experience

    location icon Ashrmam Ln, Sasthamangalam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695010
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    080-6510-5017
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    Dr. Dhamodhara Kumar C.B (0lY84YRITy)

    Dr. Dhamodhara Kumar C.B

    MBBS, DNB-General Surgery
    26 Yrs.Exp.

    4.5/5

    26 Years Experience

    location icon PA Sayed Memorial Bldg, Marine Drive, Ernakulam
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    080-6541-7872
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    Dr. Pravat Kumar Majumdar (Vx6AhE6uAv)

    Dr. Pravat Kumar Majumda...

    MBBS, MS-General Surgery
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    26 Years Experience

    location icon A/84, Kharvel Nagar, Unit 3, Bhubaneswar
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    Dr. Shammy SS (a3wXfbuBgJ)

    Dr. Shammy SS

    MBBS, MS- General Surgeon, FIAGES
    26 Yrs.Exp.

    4.8/5

    26 Years Experience

    location icon Thycadu Signal, Venjaramoodu, Thiruvananthapuram
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Gallstone Surgery in India

Sedentary habits, high-fat diets, and obesity increase gallstone risk. Most people remain symptom-free. But complications like cholecystitis may require surgery. Laser surgery gives a quick, effective recovery. Other benefits include shorter hospital stays and better long-term results.

• Disease name

Gallstone (Gallbladder Stone)

• Surgery name

Cholecystectomy

• Duration

45 - 90 minutes

• Treated by

General Surgeon

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Understanding Gallstones: Causes, Types, and Risks

Gallstones form when cholesterol, bile salts, or bilirubin are imbalanced. Stones can range from tiny grains to larger pebble-like sizes. These may remain unnoticed or cause severe pain and digestive issues.

Types of Gallstones:

  • Cholesterol Gallstones:

Yellow-green stones, mostly caused by insoluble cholesterol.

  • Pigment Gallstones:

These are dark stones and contain excess bilirubin. Sometimes, these may indicate a liver disease or blood disorders.

  • Mixed Gallstones:

These contain varying proportions of cholesterol, bile salts, and calcium.

Common causes of gallstones are: 

  • High cholesterol levels in the bile 
  • Incomplete emptying of the gallbladder 
  • Obesity or rapid weight loss 
  • Pregnancy or hormone therapy 
  • Diabetes and metabolic disorders 
  • History of gallstone disease in the family

Risk Factors for Gallstones:

Risk Factor Details
Age More common in individuals over 40
Gender Higher prevalence in females
Diet High-fat, low-fibre diets
Sedentary Lifestyle Limited physical activity
Ethnicity Higher risk in people of Indian or Hispanic descent

Are you going through any of these symptoms?

Symptoms That Indicate the Need for Gallstone Surgery

Some gallstones cause no symptoms, while others produce signs that may require prompt treatment.

  • Recurring pain in the upper abdomen
  • Nausea or vomiting after eating
  • Jaundice due to a blocked bile duct
  • Inflammation of the gallbladder or acute cholecystitis
  • Fever and chills
  • Clay-colored stools or dark urine
  • Pancreatitis due to gallstones.

Severe or chronic symptoms indicate the need for gallstone removal.

Diagnostic Tests:

  • Ultrasound: 

It is an imaging technique to diagnose gallstones and inflammation.

  • CT scan of the abdomen: 

It is done to assess complications like perforation or an abscess.

  • MRCP (Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography): 

This evaluates for any blockages that may exist in the bile ducts.

  • Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS): 

Good for small stones in the bile ducts.

  • Liver Function Tests: 

These assess the hepatobiliary system and its function.

  • Complete Blood Count (CBC): 

Will look for infection/inflammation.

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Types of Gallstone Surgery in India

  1. Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (Minimally Invasive)

It is the most common gallstone surgery. Small incisions are being made to insert a laparoscope. It offers quick recovery and minimal post-operative pain.

Advantages of laparoscopic gallstone removal surgery:

  • Inpatient stay of 24 to 48 hours
  • Minimal scarring
  • Lower chance of infection
  • Quick resumption of daily activities
  1. Open Cholecystectomy

This is a traditional surgical method. It makes a large abdominal incision to remove the gallbladder. It’s performed when laparoscopic surgery isn’t possible.

Indications:

  • Ruptured gallbladder
  • Extensive infection or abscess
  • Uncontrolled bleeding
  1. Laser Surgery for Gallstones

It uses laser energy for dissection and coagulation. The surgery causes reduced blood loss and improved healing.

Benefits of laser surgery for gallstones:

  • Improved precision
  • Less bleeding after surgery
  • Faster healing and less tissue damage

Despite its benefits, the surgery isn’t yet standard practice in India. Its use is limited to well-equipped hospitals with specialized teams.

Eligibility Criteria for Gallstone Surgery

Not every patient with gallstones has to undergo surgery. A doctor decides on gallstone surgery based on symptoms and stone size.

Ideal Candidates for Surgery:

  • Functional issues: 

Imaging or hepatobiliary scans diagnose reduced gallbladder function.

  • Structural anomalies: 

Large polyps or a calcified (porcelain) gallbladder increase cancer risk.

  • Metabolic or systemic diseases: 

Diabetes or haemolytic anaemia increases complications.

Patients Requiring Caution or Alternatives:

Condition Surgical Approach
Pregnancy (second trimester) Laparoscopic surgery only if urgent
Cirrhosis or liver disease May require open surgery or postponement
Severe cardiac or pulmonary conditions Non-surgical management preferred
Bleeding disorders Require correction before proceeding with surgery

 

Gallstone Surgery Recovery Time and Postoperative Care

Recovery after gallstone surgery depends on the technique and health.

Immediate Postoperative Period:

Aspect Details
Hospital Stay 24 to 48 hours for laparoscopic surgery, 3 to 5 days for open surgery
Pain Relief Analgesics help in managing mild abdominal pain
Mobility Walk the day of or after surgery to prevent clots.

Gallstone Surgery Recovery Timeline:

Time Frame Recovery Milestone
Day 1–2 Resume walking, pass gas, begin liquids
Week 1 Return to light daily activities
Week 2–3 Resume low-impact work or office tasks
Week 4–6 Full recovery in most laparoscopic cases
Week 8+ Recovery for open surgeries with larger incisions

Post-Surgery Guidelines:

Do’s Don’ts
Follow a low-fat diet as advised by the dietitian Avoid lifting heavy objects for 2–4 weeks
Take all prescribed antibiotics and pain medications Refrain from oily, spicy, or greasy food during recovery
Attend scheduled follow-up appointments Avoid alcohol and strenuous physical activity
Monitor for signs of complications like fever, jaundice, or swelling Do not skip prescribed physiotherapy or post-op care steps

 

Risks Associated with Gallstone Surgery

Gallstone surgery is a low-risk procedure. But it can still cause complications.

Common Short-Term Side Effects:

  • Mild shoulder pain from CO₂ gas during laparoscopy.
  • Bloating and indigestion
  • Transient nausea and vomiting
  • Pain and swelling in the area of the incision

Rare but Serious Complications:

  • Bile Leakage

May occur if the bile duct is injured

  • Bleeding

It is managed intraoperatively or postoperatively

  • Infection

Requires antibiotics

  • Injury to Surrounding Organs

Very rare. More common in open procedures

  • Deep Vein Thrombosis

Prevented through early ambulation

Laser gallstone surgery’s precision lowers bleeding and tissue damage.

Cost of Gallstone Surgery in India

The cost depends on the type of procedure and the surgeon’s experience.

Average Cost Breakdown by Surgery Type:

Procedure Type Approximate Cost (INR) per Surgery
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy ₹45,000 – ₹1,15,000
Open Cholecystectomy ₹30,000 – ₹1,00,000
Laser Surgery for Gallstones ₹30,000 – ₹1,40,000

Factors Affecting Cost of Gallstone Removal Surgery:

  • Hospital Tier: Private multispecialty hospitals are the most expensive.
  • Room Type: General ward, semi-private, or private room
  • Diagnostic Tests: Imaging, blood work, ECG, etc.
  • Anesthesia & Medicines: Typically covered under surgical charges.
  • Follow-up Visits: May be included or excluded from the quoted price

Diet and Lifestyle Changes After Gallstone Removal

After gallbladder removal, bile flows into the intestine. It affects fat digestion. Patients should eat a healthy diet and adjust their habits.

Recommended Diet Post-Surgery:

Phase Recommendations
Initial Recovery (0–7 days) Begin with clear fluids → shift to bland, low-fat, soft foods in small portions.
Transition Phase (Week 2–4) Reintroduce fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, oats, and legumes.
Long-Term (Week 5+) Resume a balanced diet, limiting saturated fats and refined carbs.

Long-Term Lifestyle Tips:

Goal Actionable Advice
Maintain Digestive Health Adopt a fiber-rich diet and avoid prolonged fasting
Support Metabolic Balance Engage in 30 minutes of low-impact exercise at least 5 days a week
Prevent Gallstone Recurrence Monitor cholesterol and triglyceride levels through regular check-ups
Promote Sustainable Weight Avoid crash diets and focus on gradual weight loss of 1–2 kg per month

These habits support smoother recovery and better digestive health.

Gallstone Surgery vs Non-Surgical Treatments

Parameter Surgery Non-Surgical
Success Rate >95% 84%
Recurrence 4-24% after gallbladder removal >30% recurrence within 5 years
Time to Relief Immediate Weeks to months
Cost Higher upfront Long-term recurring cost
Ideal For Symptomatic or complicated gallstones Asymptomatic or high-risk surgical patients

Common non-surgical treatments include:

  • Oral Dissolution Therapy: 

Ursodeoxycholic acid is used to treat cholesterol stones.

  • Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL):

Breaks stones into smaller bits.

  • Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): 

It removes stones from the bile ducts but not from the gallbladder.

Surgery remains the standard for lasting relief and safety.

How to Choose the Right Hospital or Surgeon for Gallstone Surgery

Choose a hospital with proper infrastructure, safety, and post-op care.

Evaluation Checklist:

Criteria Considerations
Surgeon’s Experience Choose a board-certified surgeon with high experience. Doctors doing 150+ cholecystectomies yearly have better outcomes. Ask about surgical success rates and complication history.
Technology Used Laparoscopic and laser option offer more precision and a faster recovery.
Diagnostic Infrastructure Access to ultrasound, MRCP, EUS, and laboratory tests. These tests allow timely evaluation and early detection.
Infection Control Standards NABH or JCI accreditation, and sterilization protocols. Ask the hospital for post-surgical infections rates.
Postoperative Care 24/7 nursing staff, dietitian support, and scheduled follow-ups. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocols can shorten hospital stay.
Check billing Transparency ensure the package covers consultations, tests, and post-op meds.

Latest Advancements in Gallstone Surgery

Recent surgical innovations improve precision and recovery.

Technological Innovations:

  • Laser-assisted laparoscopy:

It allows greater precision during dissection and coagulation. It helps to minimize the damage to surrounding tissue.

  • Robotic-assisted cholecystectomy:

Offers a 3D view and better dexterity for complex cases.

  • 3-Port and Single-Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS):

Fewer incisions improve the patient’s health.

  • Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols:

Standardised care pathways cut hospital stays and complications.

Gallstone surgery effectively treats symptomatic cases. Laparoscopic and laser procedures allow faster recovery and fewer complications. Early treatment prevents issues like pancreatitis or gallbladder rupture. For expert guidance, consult board-certified surgeons at Pristyn Care.

Frequently Asked Questions gallstone treatment

Do all gallstones require surgery?

No, asymptomatic gallstones usually do not require treatment. Surgery is indicated if patients develop pain or infection, or complications such as pancreatitis or bile duct obstruction.

What are the signs that gallstone surgery is urgently needed?

Complications that require urgent surgical treatment may present with symptoms of abdominal pain, jaundice, fever, vomiting, or signs of infection.

How soon can one return to work after gallstone surgery?

Most patients resume light activities within a week and return to office-based work in 10–14 days. Full recovery may take 4–6 weeks, depending on the surgical method.

Is laser surgery for gallstones better than laparoscopic surgery?

Laser-assisted techniques can improve precision and healing but are currently offered at limited centers and are usually adjuncts to laparoscopic surgery, not replacements.

Can lifestyle changes help avoid gallstone recurrence post-surgery?

Yes, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding high-fat diets, and engaging in regular exercise can help prevent bile duct stone formation after gallbladder removal.

How are gallstones diagnosed without symptoms?

Incidental findings during abdominal ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs often detect gallstones even if the patient has no symptoms.

Are there alternatives to surgery for gallstone treatment?

Non-surgical treatments could include oral dissolution therapy or ERCP, but these are usually reserved for select cases. Operation thus remains the definitive option.

Does gallstone removal impact digestion in the long run?

In most cases, digestion proceeds normally after gallbladder removal. Some, however, may have a few instances of bloating or diarrhea, which can be controlled through diet.

What are the costs involved in gallstone surgery in India?

Costs vary, ranging anywhere from ₹30,000 to ₹1,40,000, depending on the type of surgery (open, laparoscopic, or laser), city, hospital tier, and whether any pre/postoperative services are included in the package.

Is it safe to undergo gallstone surgery during pregnancy?

It is usually avoided unless complications arise. If, however, it has to be done, the second trimester is considered the safest for laparoscopic surgery, under very close medical supervision.

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Medically Reviewed By
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Dr. Anu Antony Varghese
26 Years Experience Overall
Last Updated : November 3, 2025

What Our Patients Say

Based on 197 Recommendations | Rated 4.9 Out of 5
  • KN

    Kaveri Nayak

    verified
    5/5

    These gallstones were such a pain in my life. Can't help dr khuswant singh for the such a nice treatment and recovery was so quick. All thnaks to dr singh.

    City : Hyderabad
  • RA

    Ramachandran, 54 Yrs

    verified
    5/5

    Very competent and helpful Doctor. Surgery was smooth and got discharged in a day. Very helpful staff and explained the full procedure very well and was very professional throughout. Thank you Dr. Sanjit.

    City : Bangalore
    Treated by : Dr. Sanjit Gogoi
  • NR

    Neeraj Rao

    verified
    5/5

    Came for gallbladder removal. Operation theatre was clean and doc was friendly. Few days hospital stay was comfortable. Minor billing glitch but fixed fast.

    City : Hyderabad
  • YK

    Yash Kale

    verified
    5/5

    I recently had laparoscopic surgery for gallstones at Doctors Hospital. The whole process was smooth, and the doctor was very supportive. The staff made me feel at ease from the moment I walked in.

    City : Kochi
  • SC

    Suresh Chauhan, 64 Yrs

    verified
    5/5

    Daiyapan Ghosh is an amazing doctor. Had severe pain in abdomen, turned out to be gallstones. Thanks to Pristyn Care, the surgery went smooth and recovery was quick.

    City : Gurgaon
    Treated by : Dr. Daipayan Ghosh
  • JA

    Jasmine Arora

    verified
    4/5

    My mother underwent laparoscopic gallstone surgery. The recovery was fast and she didn’t even need stitches. Very thankful to the Elantis team

    City : Delhi
    Treated by : Dr. Piyush Sharma