Surgery is suggested to be the best method to treat gallstones so they do not occur again.

If you have symptoms of a gallstone problem, the doctor may do tests to confirm it. A blood test is initially done to check for evidence of obstruction. Sometimes other tests are done to rule out any other stomach problems, as they have similar symptoms to that of a gallstone attack.

An ultrasound examination, which is quick and painless is done to check if the pain is due to gallstones. The scan will give a clear picture of the gallbladder, bile duct, and their contents. A CT scan is also recommended if need be.

The surgical procedures used to treat gallbladder stones are:

ERCP – An endoscopy is done if the doctor suspects that the gallstone is lodged in the bile duct. The doctor looks into the bile duct through a small flexible tube called an endoscope. The endoscope is inserted into the mouth and goes into the small intestine where the bile duct enters. The patient is sedated, to prevent gagging. Before taking an X-ray, a dye is injected through a tube. The procedure takes about an hour. The stone removal may also be done during this procedure.

Cholecystectomy (Gall bladder removal) – This is a surgery performed to remove the gallbladder. This is done if there are gallstones in the gallbladder or bile ducts, that cause pain and inflammation of the gallbladder or pancreas. This surgery is very common. There are two methods of performing cholecystectomy: The laparoscopic method and open method. General anesthesia is administered for both.

Laparoscopic method : Most surgeons try this method as it is a minimally invasive surgery. A series of small incisions are made in the abdomen to remove the gallbladder. The recovery is much quicker in this surgery. Three to four small incisions are made in the abdominal wall, and the laparoscope is inserted through one hole and surgical instruments are inserted into the others. The surgery is performed by viewing through a monitor. The camera on the laparoscope enables viewing, and the gallbladder is removed through one of the incisions. Once the gallbladder is removed, the bile duct is examined to check if there are gallstones or any other problems.

This is done with an X-ray or ultrasound scan. If there is no problem the incisions are sutured and the procedure is completed. This procedure generally takes one to two hours. Recovery is quicker and you can go home maximum in a day or two.

The open method of removing the gallbladder : In certain instances, if laparoscopy is not possible then open surgery is suggested. This involves making a larger incision on the upper right side of the abdomen. This cuts through muscles and hence may be more painful. The muscle and tissues are moved to give a better view of the liver and gallbladder. The gallbladder is removed and the incision is sutured. An open surgery takes the same time as the laparoscopic surgery, but recovery is longer. Sometimes four to six weeks are required to recover from open surgery.

Non-surgical options like lithotripsy which use high-energy sound waves to dissolve gallstones, along with medication, are suggested. This procedure is very rare and does not assure that gallstones will not form again.