About Gallbladder Disease
Key Highlights
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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.
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Typical hospital stay: 1-3 days
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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.
Top-rated hospitals in India with pediatric gastroenterology and hepatology departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform gallbladder disease. MediFyr helps you compare pediatric gastroenterologist and hepatologists 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 gallbladder disease compare across other countries where we have data.
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.
- 16 Years Experience
- Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 23 Years Experience
- Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 13 Years Experience
- Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 30 Years Experience
- Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata
- 17 Years Experience
- Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist
Manipal Hospital Dwarka, Delhi
- 14 Years Experience
- Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore