Choledocholithotomy Treatment in India

Diya Joshi, a 42-year-old high school...

Diya Joshi, a 42-year-old high school biology teacher and mother of two, had been experiencing intermittent, sharp pains in her upper right abdomen for months, often after meals. She initially dismissed it as stress or indigestion. The pain became severe and constant, accompanied by jaundice (yellowing of her skin and eyes), dark urine, and clay-colored stools. Her primary care physician ordered an ultrasound, which revealed gallstones in her common bile duct (choledocholithiasis). A gastroenterologist attempted an ERCP to remove the stones, but it was unsuccessful due to the size and location of one large, impacted stone. The consulting general surgeon, Dr. Mehta, recommended an open choledocholithotomy. Diya was terrified of major surgery and worried about taking extended time off from her students and family. The procedure went smoothly; the surgeon made an incision, opened the bile duct, removed the large stone, and placed a T-tube to ensure drainage. Her hospital recovery was initially painful, but well-managed. The T-tube was removed after a follow-up cholangiogram showed no remaining stones. Within six weeks, Diya was back to teaching and her energy levels returned. Emotionally, she shifted from a state of fear and frustration with her failing body to immense relief and gratitude. She now advocates for listening to one's body and not ignoring persistent symptoms.