Best Doctors for Gallstones in Mumbai

Types/Stages of Gallstones

Gallstones can be categorised into two main types:

• Cholesterol Stones: Usually yellow-green, these constitute about 80% of gallstones and are primarily composed of hardened cholesterol.

• Pigment Stones: Smaller and darker, often brown or black, these stones are composed of bilirubin, a by-product of red blood cells broken down by the liver.

Symptoms of Gallstones

Gallstones might not present any symptoms and are termed ‘silent gallstones.’ When symptoms do appear, they might include:

• Persistent and severe pain in the upper abdomen

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

• Episodes of nausea and vomiting

• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)

• Bloated abdomen, excessive gas, and indigestion

Tests to Diagnose Gallstones

Diagnosing gallstones involves several tests; doctors for gallstone treatment at Apollo Hospitals, Mumbai, may suggest tests, such as the following:

• Blood Tests: To check for complications like infection or jaundice.

• Ultrasonography: The most common test, using sound waves to create images of the gallbladder and detect gallstones.

• Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: Provides detailed images of the gallbladder to help detect gallstones.

• Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): Uses an endoscope to check the bile and pancreatic ducts for stone blockages.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Gallstones at Apollo Hospitals, Mumbai

Apollo Hospitals, Mumbai, offers state-of-the-art treatments for gallstones under the guidance of the best gallstone doctors:

• Medications: Certain drugs can dissolve cholesterol stones, but this treatment is less commonly used as stones may recur.

• Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove the gallbladder.

• Open Cholecystectomy: Involves a single large incision to remove the gallbladder, performed by gallstone treatment specialists for more complex cases.

• ERCP and Gallstone Removal: Used to remove gallstones blocking the bile ducts in some cases.