About Cholelithiasis
Key Highlights
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Minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery (cholecystectomy) offers smaller scars and faster recovery.Endoscopic procedures like ERCP can remove bile duct stones without open surgery.Effective relief from painful symptoms like biliary colic (intense upper right abdominal pain).Prevents serious complications such as acute cholecystitis, pancreatitis, or cholangitis.High success rate with a low risk of stone recurrence after gallbladder removal.
Who is this surgery for?
- Symptomatic gallstones causing recurrent biliary colic (pain).
- Acute cholecystitis (inflamed gallbladder).
- Gallstone pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas due to a stone).
- Choledocholithiasis (stones in the common bile duct) causing obstruction or jaundice.
- Asymptomatic stones in high-risk patients (e.g., those with porcelain gallbladder or sickle cell disease).
How to prepare
- Complete blood tests, liver function tests, and imaging (ultrasound, possibly MRCP).
- Fasting for 6-8 hours before any surgical or endoscopic procedure.
- Disclosure of all current medications; may need to temporarily stop blood thinners.
- Pre-operative anesthesia evaluation and consent process.
- For ERCP, intravenous antibiotics may be administered prophylactically.
Risks & possible complications
- Standard surgical risks: bleeding, infection, or adverse reaction to anesthesia.
- Bile leak or injury to the bile duct (rare but serious).
- Post-cholecystectomy syndrome (persistent digestive symptoms).
- ERCP-specific risks: pancreatitis, perforation, or bleeding.
- Retained stones in the bile duct requiring further procedures.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Hospital stay of 1-2 days for laparoscopic cholecystectomy; ERCP is often outpatient.
- Manage pain with prescribed medications and gradually resume a normal, low-fat diet.
- Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for 2-3 weeks after surgery.
- Most patients return to normal activities within 1-2 weeks.
- Follow-up appointment to monitor recovery and review pathology results.
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Typical hospital stay: 1-2 days
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Expected recovery time: 1-3 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering cholelithiasis in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for cholelithiasis in India include Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, KMC Hospital Mangalore, Manipal Hospital Baner, Manipal Hospital Dwarka, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform cholelithiasis. MediFyr helps you compare gastroenterologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for cholelithiasis compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Cholelithiasis in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated gastroenterology teams and experience managing patients undergoing cholelithiasis.
Vivaan Malhotra, a 42-year-old software engineer...
Vivaan Malhotra, a 42-year-old software engineer and father of two, had been experiencing intermittent sharp pains in his upper right abdomen for months, often after his beloved weekend family feasts. Initially dismissing it as indigestion, the pain became severe and constant, radiating to his back and accompanied by nausea. His primary care physician ordered an ultrasound, revealing multiple gallstones. The gastroenterologist, Dr. Sharma, explained that Vivaan's symptoms were classic for symptomatic cholelithiasis and recommended a laparoscopic cholecystectomy to prevent complications like pancreatitis. Vivaan was anxious about surgery and taking time off work, worrying about burdening his family. The procedure went smoothly; he was home the next day with minimal incisions. Recovery took about a week of light duty before returning to his desk job. The relief was immediate, no more pain after meals. Emotionally, he shifted from fear and frustration to profound relief and gratitude, now able to fully enjoy family time without the shadow of pain.
Gastroenterologists for Cholelithiasis
Explore experienced gastroenterologists who regularly perform cholelithiasis and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 25 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 34 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 20 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 39 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 11 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 11 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 8 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 14 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 18 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
- 49 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 35 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
- 32 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
- 30 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 30 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 21 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
- 21 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 10 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 9 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai