Learn about Gallbladder Disease Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Gallbladder Disease and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Gallbladder Disease

Gallbladder disease in children, managed by a Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist, involves the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the gallbladder and biliary system. This specialized care focuses on disorders like cholelithiasis (gallstones), cholecystitis (inflammation), and biliary dyskinesia (poor gallbladder function). The specialist employs a comprehensive approach, starting with non-invasive diagnostics such as ultrasound and HIDA scans to assess gallbladder structure and function. Treatment is tailored to the child's specific condition and severity, ranging from dietary management and medication to, when necessary, minimally invasive laparoscopic cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal). This expert care ensures precise diagnosis, minimizes discomfort, and promotes optimal digestive health and growth in young patients.

Key Highlights

    Specialized care tailored to the unique anatomy and physiology of children.Comprehensive diagnostic approach using child-friendly, non-invasive imaging techniques.Focus on conservative management (diet, medication) before considering surgery.Minimally invasive surgical options (laparoscopy) for faster recovery and less scarring.Holistic management that supports a child's ongoing growth and development.

Who is this surgery for?

  • Persistent abdominal pain, particularly in the right upper or middle abdomen.
  • Nausea, vomiting, and intolerance to fatty foods.
  • Jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes) indicating possible bile duct obstruction.
  • Confirmed gallstones (cholelithiasis) on ultrasound.
  • Gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis) or poor emptying (biliary dyskinesia).
  • Complications such as pancreatitis caused by gallstones.
  • Certain underlying conditions like sickle cell disease, obesity, or prolonged use of specific medications.

How to prepare

  • Comprehensive consultation and review of the child's full medical history.
  • Diagnostic tests including blood work (liver function tests), abdominal ultrasound, and possibly a HIDA scan.
  • Dietary adjustments, often involving a low-fat diet in the days before procedures.
  • Fasting for 6-8 hours before any surgical or endoscopic procedure.
  • Pre-operative counseling for both child and parents to explain the process and set expectations.
  • Discontinuation of certain medications (e.g., blood thinners) as advised by the doctor.

Risks & possible complications

  • Risks associated with anesthesia.
  • Bleeding or infection at the surgical site (for cholecystectomy).
  • Injury to nearby structures like the bile duct, intestines, or blood vessels.
  • Bile leakage after surgery.
  • Retained gallstones in the bile duct.
  • Post-cholecystectomy syndrome (persistent digestive symptoms).
  • Risks related to any contrast dye used in imaging studies (allergic reaction).

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Post-surgery, children typically spend 1-2 days in the hospital for monitoring.
  • Pain is managed with appropriate medications.
  • A gradual return to a normal diet, starting with clear liquids and advancing as tolerated.
  • Encouragement of light walking soon after surgery to aid recovery.
  • Restriction from strenuous activities, sports, and heavy lifting for 2-3 weeks.
  • Follow-up appointments to monitor healing and ensure normal digestive function has resumed.
  • Long-term dietary guidance may be provided to support overall digestive health.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 1-3 days
  • checked Expected recovery time: 2-3 weeks

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering gallbladder disease in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for gallbladder disease compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India INR 80 Thousand – 250 Thousand 1-3 days ~ 2-3 weeks Know More
Turkey TRY 280 Thousand – 875 Thousand 1-3 days ~ 2-3 weeks Know More
PATIENT REVIEW

Navya Ali is a 16-year-old aspiring...

Navya Ali is a 16-year-old aspiring artist with a history of sickle cell disease. She began having recurrent, intense abdominal pain episodes, different from her typical sickle cell crises, accompanied by jaundice (yellowing skin/eyes). Blood tests showed elevated liver enzymes and bilirubin. An MRI revealed gallstones likely caused by her sickle cell disease (pigment stones). Dr. Hassan, her hepatologist, explained that the gallbladder was inflamed and blocking bile flow, risking pancreatitis. He recommended a cholecystectomy but emphasized a careful, multidisciplinary approach due to her sickle cell. Navya feared triggering a pain crisis. The surgery was scheduled with her hematology team managing her sickle cell protocol. Post-op, she had expected pain but no sickle cell complications. Recovery took three weeks, with fatigue being the main hurdle. The jaundice resolved, and the distinctive abdominal pain vanished. Emotionally, she moved from feeling burdened by another health complication to empowered, focusing her energy back on her art without the shadow of unpredictable pain.

Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologists for Gallbladder Disease

Explore experienced pediatric gastroenterologist and hepatologists who regularly perform gallbladder disease and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Srikanth K P
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Srikanth KP
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore

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Dr. Sakshi Karkra
  • 23 Years Experience
  • Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Srikanth KP
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

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Dr. Bhaswati Acharya
  • 30 Years Experience
  • Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata

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Dr. Sufla Saxena
  • 17 Years Experience
  • Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dwarka, Delhi

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Nagendra Kumar VR
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated