Laparoscopic Gallbladder Stone Surgery in Hyderabad
Gallstones form when substances in bile crystallise into hard deposits within the gallbladder. Symptomatic gallstones require surgical removal of the gallbladder itself (cholecystectomy), because leaving stones behind causes recurring pain, infection, and can block the bile duct. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the worldwide gold standard — done through 4 small keyhole incisions.
Symptoms
- Severe pain in the upper right abdomen or under the ribs
- Pain radiating to the right shoulder or back
- Nausea and vomiting after fatty meals
- Bloating and indigestion
- Yellowing of eyes/skin (jaundice — if stone blocks bile duct)
Common Causes
- High cholesterol in bile
- Female gender and pregnancy (hormonal changes)
- Obesity and rapid weight loss
- Diabetes and metabolic syndrome
- Family history of gallstones
The Procedure
Under general anaesthesia, 4 small incisions (5-10mm) are made in the upper abdomen. A camera visualises the gallbladder, which is carefully separated from the liver, the bile duct and artery are clipped, and the entire gallbladder — with all stones inside — is removed through one of the port sites.
- 1General anaesthesia and pneumoperitoneum
- 24 small port incisions in the upper abdomen
- 3Careful dissection of Calot's triangle
- 4Cystic duct and artery clipped and divided
- 5Gallbladder removed intact through port site
Benefits
- Only 4 small keyhole scars
- Same-day mobilisation, next-day discharge
- Return to normal diet within 3-5 days
- Low complication rate in experienced hands
- No long-term restriction on lifestyle
Recovery Timeline
- Day 0: Surgery and 6 hours observation
- Day 1: Discharge with oral medicines
- Day 2-4: Light foods, gradual normal diet
- Week 1: Return to desk work
- Week 2-3: Full activity, including gym
Cost in Hyderabad
Cost depends on hospital tier, anaesthesia, and insurance package. Cashless available at all major TPAs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I live normally without a gallbladder?+
Yes, completely. The liver continues to make bile which flows directly into the intestine. Most patients have no dietary restrictions long-term.
Can gallstones be dissolved with medicine?+
Only very small cholesterol stones respond to medical dissolution, and even then results are unreliable and recurrence is common. Surgery is the definitive treatment for symptomatic stones.
How long is the hospital stay?+
Most patients are discharged within 24 hours of surgery. Day-care discharge is also possible in fit patients.
What are the risks of leaving gallstones untreated?+
Untreated stones can cause acute cholecystitis, pancreatitis, jaundice, or bile duct obstruction — all serious complications requiring emergency surgery.
Is gallbladder surgery covered by insurance?+
Yes. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is fully covered by all health insurance policies as an inpatient procedure.
Consult Dr Sandeep Katakam
Get an honest opinion on whether gallbladder stone surgery is right for you.
Other Procedures
