Signs you might need gallbladder surgery: Symptoms of gallstones and cholecystitis

The gallbladder is a little organ that sits beneath the liver and is essential to digestion because it stores the bile that the liver produces. This bile aids in the breakdown of fat. Despite how vital it is, many of us don't give our gallbladder much thought until problems arise. Your persistent pain or digestive issues may be related to your gallbladder. Now let's look at the symptoms that can indicate that gallbladder surgery is required, with a focus on cholecystitis and gallstones.
Understanding Gallstones and Cholecystitis
Gallstones are hard deposits that can form in your gallbladder. The stones can be as big as a golf ball or as small as a grain of sand. These stones then cause extreme pain and other problems when they block the bile ducts.
Cholecystitis is essentially caused by obstruction of the cystic duct by calculi. The obstruction might permit stagnation of the bile, which may further lead to infection and inflammation.
Symptoms of Gallstones
1. Abdominal Pain: The most prominent sign is severe and sharp abdominal pain in the
upper right quadrant of the abdomen. This discomfort is referred to as biliary colic and
may also spread to the back or right shoulder blade. It is commonly experienced after
having dinner or any other heavy meal and can last for several minutes or even hours.

2. Nausea and Vomiting: Individuals might experience significant digestive distress, leading to frequent nausea and vomiting.
3. Indigestion and Bloating: Chronic indigestion, bloating, and gas are common and these symptoms result from the impaired digestion of fats due to the blockage of bile flow.
4. Jaundice: If the gallstone reaches the bile ducts it may prevent bile from draining to the small intestine and instead flow back to the liver, then into the bloodstream, leading to jaundice.
5. Fever and Chills: The presence of fever and chills, along with abdominal pain, may indicate a more severe infection known as cholangitis, which requires immediate medical attention.
When to Consider Gallbladder Surgery

The most effective way of treating cholecystitis is to have the gall bladder removed but in the
case where your cholecystitis is caused by an infection other than the formation of gallstones,
surgery may not be necessary. Chronic inflammation of the gallbladder without the sign of acute
cholecystitis also has deleterious effects on the gallbladder as it may lead to scarring and
gallbladder dysfunction. The large polyps greater than 1 cm in diameter and the presence of
porcelain gallbladder, which is extensive calcification in the gallbladder wall, are indications for
cholecystectomy given the high risk of gallbladder cancer. A thorough evaluation, including
physical examinations, blood tests, and imaging studies like ultrasound or CT scans can be
done to determine the cause of your symptoms. Based on the diagnosis, gallbladder surgery
(cholecystectomy) may be recommended by the doctor.
Thus, it is imperative to identify the indicators of gallstones and cholecystitis to evaluate the
necessity for the surgical removal of the gallbladder. It is advisable to consult a doctor
immediately if you experience any of the above symptoms. Cholecystectomy is a relatively
routine operation that is relatively low risk but can be lifesaving and can greatly enhance the
quality of life in an individual. Prevention and early diagnosis are important in the management
of conditions affecting the gallbladder.
(Dr Abhilash Nalli, MBBS , DNB ,FNB ,FALS, Laparoscopic and Minimal Access Surgeon, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Hyderabad)