Gallbladder stones are an extremely common disorder and are usually asymptomatic. Some patients experience biliary colic, an intermittent and often severe pain in the epigastrium or right upper quadrant, and at times between the scapula because of temporary obstruction of the cystic duct with a gallstone. If the cystic duct obstruction persists, the gallbladder becomes inflamed and the patient develops cholecystitis, an acute inflammation and infection of the gallbladder. The vast majority of patients with gallstones are asymptomatic.

Some common ailments of gallbladder and bile duct are as follows:

Gallstones are formed when bile salts become hard particles and create blockage.

Cholecystitis is an acute and chronic inflammation.

Acute cholecystitis could be the result of tumors and other illnesses.

Chronic cholecystitis is caused due to shrinkage of the gallbladder due to repeated acute cholecystitis and loses its functionality.

Choledocholithiasis occurs when the gallstones are lodged in the bile ducts or the neck of the gallbladder.

Gallbladder cancer spreads from the inner walls of the gallbladder to other organs.

Gallbladder polyps are harmless growths or lesions on the gallbladder.

Gangrene of the gallbladder occurs when there is improper or inadequate blood flow and the gallbladder does not function.

Abscess of the gallbladder occurs when the area has pus formation and is inflamed.

Bile duct obstruction is blockage of bile ducts due to gallstones.

Bile reflux when fluid in the liver called bile backs up into the stomach and esophagus.

Surgical options

BUTTON HOLE CHOLECYSTECTOMY

Known as minilaparotomy cholecystectomy the world over, this surgery involves removal of gall bladder though a small 2 inch incision, requires 2-3 stitches. This technique as been innovated by the legendary Mumbai, Dr. Hitesh Arora and our center has successfully performed Button hole surgeries. Recent research has shown button hole cholecystectomy to be better than laparoscopic cholecystectomy with less operative costs and less operative time.

LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY

In this procedure the gallbladder is removed by minimally invasive surgical techniques. The procedure is done under general anesthesia. Four small incisions are made in and around the umbilicus, which are called laparoscopic ports. Thin, long tubes or laparoscopes are inserted through these incisions which magnifies the view of the area. Surgical instruments are used to carefully separate the gallbladder from the liver and the bile duct and extract it through one of the ports.

Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration This procedure is commonly used in the treatment of choledocholithiasis and can be done percutaneously, laparoscopically or endoscopically. The approach is the same as laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Four ports are opened and a very small opening is made in the cystic duct where the gallbladder connects to the bile duct. Cholangiography is performed with the insertion of a thin tube. A balloon or a tiny basket is used to retrieve the stones from the duct.