Gallstones FAQs & Myths Cleared for Better Awareness

Introduction

Gallstones are among the most common digestive disorders worldwide — yet they remain surrounded by myths, misconceptions, and anxiety. Many people believe that gallstones can be “dissolved with medicines” or that removing the gallbladder will cause lifelong digestion problems. The truth, backed by medical science and decades of surgical experience, is very different.

At PACE Hospitals Hyderabad, our gastroenterology and hepatobiliary surgery experts specialize in the diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment of gallstone disease (cholelithiasis). Using advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgical systems, we ensure safe, scar-minimal, and rapid-recovery gallbladder removal procedures for both Indian and international patients.

This comprehensive FAQ article clears up the confusion — explaining the causes, symptoms, complications, and modern treatments for gallstones while dispelling persistent myths.

What causes gallstones?

Gallstones form when the bile stored in the gallbladder becomes concentrated, allowing cholesterol or bilirubin to crystallize.

Major contributing factors:

• Obesity and sedentary lifestyle
• High-fat or high-cholesterol diet
• Frequent constipation
• Rapid weight loss or crash diets
• Multiple pregnancies (hormonal changes)
• Genetic or regional predisposition – Higher incidence in India’s “cow belt” (U.P., Bihar, West Bengal)
• Family history of gallstones

Gallstones can be cholesterol stones (most common), pigment stones, or mixed stones — and sometimes multiple stones coexist in a single gallbladder.

What problems do gallstones cause?

Gallstones often remain silent initially but can trigger acute attacks when a stone blocks the cystic or common bile duct.

Common symptoms:

• Sudden severe pain in the upper or right abdomen, often at night or after fatty meals
• Pain radiating to the back or right shoulder
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pain lasting 30 min to 6 hours (biliary colic)

If the pain persists beyond 24 hours, serious complications may have developed — including:

• Acute cholecystitis (gallbladder infection)
• Cholangitis (bile-duct infection)
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Gangrene or perforation of the gallbladder

At PACE Hospitals, these emergencies are treated promptly by a multidisciplinary team including GI surgeons, gastroenterologists, and interventional radiologists to prevent life-threatening outcomes.

Do all gallstones require treatment?

No. Treatment depends on symptoms, not size or number.

• Symptomatic gallstones (causing pain or complications): Surgery is recommended.
• Asymptomatic gallstones discovered incidentally may only need observation with periodic follow-up.

Even a single small stone causing pain needs removal, while multiple stones without symptoms may just be monitored.

Can we remove only the stones and leave the gallbladder intact?

No. Unlike kidney stones, the gallbladder itself becomes diseased when stones form.

Earlier attempts (in the 20th century) to remove only the stones or dissolve them chemically resulted in recurrence within 3–6 months. Medical science now understands that the gallbladder is the source of the problem, not just a victim of it.

Therefore, the standard and permanent treatment is laparoscopic cholecystectomy — removal of the entire gallbladder along with its stones.

Will gallbladder removal cause digestion problems?

Absolutely not. This is one of the biggest misconceptions.

The gallbladder does not produce bile; it merely stores it between meals. After surgery, the liver continues to secrete bile normally, and the bile ducts enlarge slightly to store what the gallbladder once did.

Patients can resume a normal diet soon after recovery. No long-term restrictions or digestive issues occur. This has been well-proven through millions of successful surgeries worldwide.

Can gallstones be treated with native or herbal medicine?

There is no scientific evidence that Ayurveda, Unani, or homeopathic medicines can dissolve gallstones.

If a patient is asymptomatic, observation is acceptable — but once symptoms appear, the yearly risk of severe complications rises to 4–8 %, including infection, jaundice, pancreatitis, or gangrene.

Delaying surgery for native or unverified remedies may convert a simple case into an emergency. At PACE Hospitals, patients are educated to take evidence-based decisions under expert medical guidance.

Why are some people unhappy after gallstone surgery?

Sometimes, people expect cholecystectomy to fix all abdominal complaints — bloating, gas, heartburn, or constipation. But these symptoms are not caused by gallstones in most cases.

Gallstones cause biliary pain and complications, not routine dyspepsia. When unrelated digestive issues persist post-surgery, patients may feel “surgery didn’t help.” Hence, proper pre-operative counseling is essential to set realistic expectations — a practice followed strictly at PACE Hospitals.

How are gallstones diagnosed?

Diagnosis is straightforward using non-invasive imaging and lab tests.

• Ultrasound abdomen – First-line test; identifies stones, gallbladder wall thickness, and inflammation.
• Liver-function tests (LFTs) – Elevated bilirubin or enzymes suggest bile-duct blockage.
• MRCP (Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography) – Detects stones in the common bile duct.
• CT scan / Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) – Used for complex or recurrent cases.

PACE Hospitals uses high-resolution ultrasound, MRCP, and EUS for early and precise diagnosis.

What is laparoscopic cholecystectomy?

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a minimally invasive keyhole surgery where the gallbladder is removed through 3–4 tiny incisions.

Steps:

• General anesthesia administered.
• Small ports placed for instruments and camera.
• Gallbladder carefully separated from the liver bed.
• Ducts and vessels clipped; gallbladder removed through a small incision.

Benefits:

• Minimal pain
• Discharge within 24–36 hours
• Quick recovery (back to work in 7–10 days)
• Negligible scarring

PACE Hospitals’ laparoscopic GI surgeons routinely perform this with 4K HD systems and advanced energy devices, ensuring utmost precision and safety.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Gallstones

Understanding the Condition

• What exactly are gallstones, and how did I develop them?
• Are my gallstones causing my current symptoms, or could something else be responsible?
• How large are the stones, and how many are there?
• Do gallstones always require surgery, or can they pass or dissolve on their own?
• Can gallstones lead to any serious complications if left untreated?

Diagnosis & Tests

• What tests are needed to confirm gallstones — ultrasound, CT, or MRI?
• Do I have any signs of infection, inflammation, or bile duct blockage?
• Should I get a liver function test or other blood work done?

Treatment Options

• What are my treatment options — medication, dietary changes, or surgery?
• If surgery is needed, what type is best — laparoscopic or open cholecystectomy?
• How long does the gallbladder removal surgery take, and what is the recovery time?
• What are the risks or complications of gallbladder surgery?
• Will I need to make long-term changes in my diet or lifestyle after surgery?

Post-Surgery & Long-Term Care

• What symptoms should I watch out for after surgery?
• Will removing my gallbladder affect digestion or cause acidity or diarrhea?
• How soon can I return to work or regular activities?
• Are follow-up visits or imaging needed after gallbladder removal?

Cost & Hospital Details

• How much does gallstone surgery (laparoscopic cholecystectomy) cost at this hospital?
• Is it covered under health insurance or cashless hospitalization?
• What kind of post-operative care or pain management will be provided?

Cashless insurance, EMI plans, and international patient support available.