Expert Gallbladder Stone Treatment in Chennai

Gallbladder stones, also called gallstones, are hard deposits that form inside the gallbladder. They vary in size from a few millimetres to several centimetres, and they may be cholesterol stones, pigment stones or mixed stones.

The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ in the right upper part of the abdomen, directly beneath the liver. It usually measures only 3 to 4 inches in length.

What does the gallbladder do?

It stores and concentrates bile. The liver produces bile continuously; the gallbladder holds it between meals and concentrates it by absorbing excess water.

It helps digest fat. After a fatty meal the gallbladder contracts and releases concentrated bile into the small intestine. Bile acts as a natural emulsifier, breaking large fat globules into smaller droplets so digestive enzymes can process them easily.

Can you live without a gallbladder?

Yes. The gallbladder is a non-essential organ. If it becomes diseased or causes pain it can be removed surgically, and people go on to live a normal, healthy life without it — bile simply flows directly from the liver into the small intestine. It is also worth correcting a common misconception: digestion happens in the stomach and intestine, not in the gallbladder.

Advanced gallstone treatment by an experienced surgical gastroenterologist

Gallstones may remain asymptomatic for years, but once they start causing abdominal pain, nausea or digestive discomfort, timely evaluation and treatment by a gallstone expert prevents complications and assures a good recovery. The right treatment depends on the size and location of the stones, the symptoms and complications, and the overall health of the patient.

Dr Kumaragurubaran is a senior surgical gastroenterologist and advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgeon at Billroth Hospitals, Shenoy Nagar, Chennai, with 28+ years of experience in the treatment of gallstones and gallbladder surgery. He has performed 20,000+ laparoscopic surgeries, including 6,000+ laparoscopic gallbladder surgeries (laparoscopic cholecystectomy). He provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for gallstones, including minimally invasive options such as laparoscopic cholecystectomy and robotic cholecystectomy where clinically appropriate.

You can read more about his surgical training and expertise, or see the full range of gallbladder and biliary surgery offered at the practice.

Why choose Dr Kumaragurubaran for gallstone treatment and surgery

• 28+ years of experience managing gallstones and gallbladder-related conditions
• 28+ years of surgical experience in laparoscopic cholecystectomy
• 6,000+ laparoscopic cholecystectomies, including complex, complicated, gangrenous and infected gallbladders
• 20,000+ laparoscopic surgeries
• Advanced laparoscopic, GI and robotic surgical expertise
• Robotic cholecystectomy for suitable patients
• Expertise in daycare gallbladder surgery

Book a consultation to understand your gallstone problem and the most appropriate treatment options.

How are gallstones formed?

Gallbladder stones form through three main mechanisms:

1. Increased cholesterol in bile, which can be caused by cholesterol-lowering agents such as statins, as these cause more cholesterol to be excreted in bile.
2. Increased bile pigment, in conditions such as haemolytic anaemia, where increased destruction of red blood cells produces more haem by-products to be excreted in bile.
3. Gallbladder stasis — reduced contraction of the gallbladder, in conditions such as pregnancy and under the influence of various hormones.

For a fuller explanation, see our dedicated page on the causes of gallbladder stones.

What conditions can cause gallstones?

Gallstones are classically associated with the four Fs — female, fatty, forty and fertile. Other recognised risk factors include:

• Obesity or excess body weight
• Cholesterol-lowering drugs such as statins
• Rapid weight loss, especially after bariatric surgery
• Pregnancy
• Haemolytic anaemia, including sickle cell anaemia and hereditary spherocytosis — conditions that may also involve the spleen
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
• Oral contraceptives
• Family history
• A diet high in fat and cholesterol and low in fibre
• Cirrhosis and other liver disorders

Having a risk factor does not necessarily mean a person will develop gallstones.

What are the symptoms of gallstones?

1. No symptoms at all. Gallstones are often asymptomatic and are found only on a routine ultrasound performed for some other reason.
2. Slight pain or discomfort in the right upper or upper middle abdomen, especially after a fatty meal — biliary colic.
3. Dyspepsia — bloating, fullness and belching after meals. This can be confused with gastritis, gastric disorders or GERD.
4. Nausea and vomiting.
5. Radiating pain that spreads from the right upper abdomen to the back or right shoulder — biliary colic.

Gallstone pain is frequently mistaken for acidity, indigestion or reflux. Persistent or recurrent abdominal pain should therefore be medically evaluated rather than treated indefinitely as simple indigestion. Our page on the symptoms of gallbladder stones covers this in more detail.

Symptoms that point to a complication include:

• Severe right upper abdominal pain with nausea, vomiting and fever — suggesting cholecystitis
• Severe central upper abdominal pain radiating to the back with abdominal distension — suggesting pancreatitis
• Severe abdominal pain with yellowish eyes and dark urine — suggesting jaundice, when a gallstone migrates into the bile duct and causes obstruction

Warning signs. Severe pain in the right and central upper abdomen with nausea, vomiting and fever may indicate cholecystitis, which needs emergency medical attention. It is better to go straight to the emergency ward and get treatment.

When should you see a gallbladder stone doctor in Chennai?

You should consult a gallbladder stone doctor in Chennai such as Dr Kumaragurubaran if:

• You have recurrent right upper abdominal pain, especially after fatty meals
• An ultrasound has identified gallstones but you have no symptoms
• You have symptoms of gallstones such as abdominal bloating, fullness after food, right upper abdominal pain radiating to the back or right shoulder, fever with chills, yellowish discolouration of the eyes or dark urine

How are gallstones diagnosed?

An abdominal ultrasound is the most commonly used and the best investigation to diagnose gallbladder stones.

Note: to diagnose gallbladder stones it is better to have the ultrasound done on an empty stomach.

Blood tests such as liver function tests (LFT) are also required to evaluate gallstone complications. Where a complication is suspected, higher imaging such as a CT scan or MRCP (magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography) may be necessary to document it and to rule out bile duct stones or pancreatitis. In selected cases endoscopic evaluation has a role. See also our page on the diagnosis of gallbladder stones.

What the surgeon looks for in the ultrasound

1. Number, size and position of the gallstones
2. Gallbladder wall thickness — less than or more than 2–3 mm
3. Pericholecystic fluid collections
4. Bile duct size and the presence of bile duct stones
5. Over-distension of the gallbladder
6. Liver size and the presence of fatty liver
7. Enlargement of the pancreas

What diet should you follow when diagnosed with gallstones?

Foods to avoid

• High-fat meat: fatty cuts of lamb, sausages, bacon
• Fried and greasy foods: french fries, fried chicken, potato chips, fast food
• Full-fat dairy: whole milk, butter, heavy cream, full-fat cheese
• Refined carbohydrates and sweets: pastries, cakes, doughnuts, sugary beverages
• Hidden fats and rich sauces: cream-based sauces, mayonnaise

Foods to include

• Fruits and vegetables
• Whole grains: brown rice, oats, quinoa
• Lean proteins: skinless chicken, fish, egg white
• Low-fat dairy: skim or low-fat milk, low-fat yoghurt, cottage cheese
• Healthy fats: small amounts of olive oil, avocado and flaxseed oil

What is the best gallbladder stone treatment in Chennai?

Patients often ask: can gallstones dissolve with medication or diet? Do gallstones go away without surgery?

No. Gallstones usually do not dissolve with medication or diet, and they do not go away without surgery.

The best gallbladder stone treatment in Chennai depends on whether the stones are causing symptoms or complications, and on the size of the stones. Gallstones that cause no symptoms may not always require immediate treatment. However, symptomatic gallstones, recurrent gallbladder attacks or complications may require surgical treatment. Our page on the treatment of gallbladder stones sets out the options side by side.

Medical treatment

Medical treatment is usually not effective. A small single stone can be observed, and ursodeoxycholic acid may be tried. However the duration and efficacy of this treatment remain uncertain, and there is always a chance of the stone growing back once medication is stopped.

Surgical management

For symptomatic stones in suitable patients, the standard surgical treatment is laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which removes the gallbladder containing the stones. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the gold standard for gallstone treatment.

Many people ask whether only the stones can be removed, leaving the gallbladder in place. Removing the stones alone may not prevent new stones from developing, so when surgery is indicated, removal of the gallbladder is generally considered — usually by the keyhole method.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in Chennai

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a minimally invasive procedure used to remove the gallbladder. Dr Kumaragurubaran is an expert in laparoscopic cholecystectomy, with 28+ years of experience and 6,000+ laparoscopic gallbladder surgeries.

If you are searching for the best doctor for laparoscopic cholecystectomy in Chennai, Dr Kumaragurubaran's extensive GI and laparoscopic experience can help you understand whether this approach is appropriate for your condition. You may also want to read about the practice as a trusted gallbladder stone specialist in Chennai.

What happens during the procedure

1. Gas is introduced into the abdominal cavity with a needle to distend the abdomen (pneumoperitoneum).
2. Small abdominal incisions are made and ports are introduced.
3. A camera and specialised instruments are inserted.
4. The gallbladder is identified and carefully separated.
5. The cystic duct and artery are isolated, clipped and divided.
6. The gallbladder is disconnected from its attachments to the liver.
7. The gallbladder is removed through a small incision.
8. The surgical access sites are closed.

Potential benefits of laparoscopic surgery

• Small surgical incisions
• Less tissue disruption
• Reduced postoperative discomfort and pain in many patients
• Earlier mobilisation
• Shorter hospital stay
• Faster return to routine activities

The exact surgical approach depends on the patient's condition and on whether complications or previous abdominal surgery are present.

Daycare laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Daycare surgery is now offered for many patients with gallbladder stones. Patients report to the hospital in the morning on an empty stomach, the keyhole gallbladder surgery is performed, and they are discharged the same evening — with no overnight stay. This is usually advised for younger patients and straightforward gallbladder surgeries. Dr Kumaragurubaran is an expert in, and a strong proponent of, daycare gallbladder surgery.

Robotic cholecystectomy

With advanced technology, robotic surgery is now performed for selected patients. Robotic cholecystectomy is associated with less pain and faster recovery. Dr Kumaragurubaran has considerable expertise in robotic cholecystectomy and performs it regularly for appropriate patients.

Open cholecystectomy

Open surgery is usually reserved for very severe gallbladder infection or for gallbladder cancer. A single subcostal incision is made and the infected gallbladder is removed.

Laparoscopic vs open cholecystectomy: how they compare

Both operations remove the gallbladder and both are safe in the right hands. The difference is access — and that is what drives stay, recovery and scarring. The figures below describe a planned procedure in a generally healthy adult.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the gold standard and is what the large majority of patients are offered. Open surgery is not a lesser operation — it is the safer call in severe infection, difficult anatomy or gallbladder cancer, and a laparoscopic procedure is occasionally converted to open during surgery for exactly that reason. Which approach suits you is decided after your scans and clinical assessment. Book a consultation to discuss it.

Other gallbladder conditions assessed at the same time

Gallbladder polyps

In many patients, small projections called polyps grow in the gallbladder and are usually asymptomatic. These polyps are typically small and multiple and require only observation. However, polyps reaching 1 cm in size are more prone to cancerous transformation, and surgery is usually advised at that point.

Gallbladder cancer — carcinoma of the gallbladder

Long-standing gallbladder stones with cholecystitis may occasionally lead to cancer of the gallbladder. It is usually diagnosed at a later stage and requires radical cholecystectomy, in which part of the liver surrounding the gallbladder is also removed.

Adenomyomatosis of the gallbladder

Adenomyomatosis is a benign thickening of the gallbladder wall. It is assessed on imaging and managed according to symptoms and the appearance of the wall.

Best gallbladder surgeon in Chennai

Choosing the best gallbladder surgeon in Chennai involves considering surgical experience, expertise in minimally invasive procedures, and the ability to manage both routine and complex gallbladder conditions. Dr Kumaragurubaran brings:

• 28+ years of surgical experience in gastrointestinal and gallbladder surgery
• 6,000+ laparoscopic cholecystectomies, including complex, complicated and severely infected gallbladders
• 20,000+ laparoscopic surgeries — significant experience with minimally invasive procedures
• Advanced laparoscopic and robotic expertise, evaluating patients for minimally invasive options when clinically appropriate
• Individualised treatment planning, based on symptoms, investigations, gallstone characteristics, complications and overall health

See also: top gallbladder stone treatment by Dr Kumaragurubaran.

Best doctor for gallbladder stone treatment in Chennai

The best doctor for gallbladder stone treatment in Chennai should first determine whether the stones are symptomatic and whether any complications are present. Treatment planning may consider:

• Whether the stones are asymptomatic
• Frequency and severity of abdominal pain
• Gallstone size and number
• Gallbladder inflammation
• Bile duct involvement
• Previous gallbladder attacks
• Other medical conditions
• Suitability for laparoscopic or robotic surgery
• Fitness for general anaesthesia

Not every person with gallstones requires surgery. A proper evaluation helps determine when treatment is necessary and which approach is appropriate.

What happens if gallstones are left untreated?

Gallstones may remain without causing problems, or they can lead to recurrent attacks and complications. Potential complications include:

• Acute cholecystitis — infection of the gallbladder, leading to a gangrenous or perforated gallbladder
• Empyema — pus in the gallbladder
• Bile duct obstruction and jaundice — caused by a stone passing down and blocking the bile duct
• Cholangitis — bile duct infection
• Pancreatitis — a stone passing down and blocking the pancreatic outflow
• Mucocele of the gallbladder — caused by a stone impacted in the neck or cystic duct

Persistent or recurrent symptoms should therefore be evaluated rather than repeatedly treated as simple indigestion. Our page on the complications of gallbladder stones explains each of these in more detail.

What is recovery like after laparoscopic cholecystectomy?

Recovery varies depending on the patient's health and on whether the surgery was straightforward or complicated.

1. Many suitable patients can begin walking soon after surgery, on the same day, and gradually return to routine activities within a week, getting back to desk work in a week to ten days.
2. Patients are usually started on a liquid diet on the day of surgery and a soft diet from the next day, according to their surgeon's instructions.
3. Driving can usually start within a week, keeping the surgical wounds clean.

Your surgeon will provide individual instructions based on your procedure and recovery. Most patients are back to normal 7 to 10 days after gallbladder surgery.

Consult a gallbladder surgeon in Chennai

Gallstones do not always require surgery, but recurrent abdominal pain and other symptoms should not be ignored. An accurate diagnosis helps determine whether observation, medical management or surgical treatment is appropriate.

Dr Kumaragurubaran provides comprehensive evaluation, appropriate advice and surgical treatment for gallbladder stones, with laparoscopic cholecystectomy and robotic cholecystectomy available for appropriately selected patients.

Book your consultation

Discuss your symptoms, investigation reports and treatment options with an experienced gastrointestinal surgeon. Book an appointment or get in touch with the practice.