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Gallstones are hardened formations of digestive fluid that can develop in the gallbladder, a small organ located beneath the liver. Ranging in size from tiny grains to sizable balls, these stones exhibit a variety of colours, with cholesterol stones appearing yellow-green and pigment stones showing brown or black hues. The primary causes of gallstones include an overabundance of cholesterol or bilirubin in bile, coupled with impaired gallbladder emptying. Contributing risk factors encompass obesity, hormonal imbalances, specific ethnic backgrounds, gender, age, cholesterol-lowering medications, rapid weight loss, and fasting.

In Mysore, gallstones have emerged as a prevalent health issue. Apollo Hospitals in Mysore is well-equipped with specialists in gallstone treatment and houses some of the most accomplished doctors for gallbladder stone treatment.

Types/Stages of Gallstones

Gallstones can be classified into two primary types:

• Cholesterol Stones: Constituting about 80% of gallstones, these formations are primarily composed of hardened cholesterol and they appear in yellow-green.

• Pigment Stones: Smaller and darker, pigment stones consist of bilirubin, a substance resulting from the breakdown of red blood cells.

Symptoms of Gallstones

Typically, gallstones might not present any symptoms; these are referred to as 'silent gallstones.' However, if symptoms do appear, they might include:

• Persistent and severe pain in the upper abdomen

• Pain radiating to the back between shoulder blades or right shoulder

• Episodes of nausea and vomiting

• Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)

• Bloated abdomen, excessive gas, and indigestion

Tests to Diagnose Gallstones

At Apollo Hospitals in Mysore, experts such as cholelithiasis treatment doctors employ various diagnostic procedures. These include:

• Abdominal Ultrasound: The most commonly used method for detecting gallstones.

• Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): This procedure utilises a flexible tube with a camera to examine the gallbladder and bile ducts.

• Blood Tests: These tests aid in identifying infections, obstructions, pancreatitis, or jaundice.

• Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS): An EUS procedure examines the inside of your digestive tract.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Gallstones at Apollo Hospitals, Mysore

Apollo Hospitals in Mysore offers an array of treatment options led by specialists in gallbladder stone treatment and gallstone surgery. These options include:

• Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: This minimally invasive surgery involves removing the gallbladder through small incisions in the abdomen.

• Open Cholecystectomy: In more complex cases, gallstone specialists (Gastrointestinal surgeons) may recommend open cholecystectomy, a procedure in which a larger incision may be necessary to remove the gallbladder.

• Medication: In certain patients, medications may be prescribed to dissolve gallstones.