Cholesterol Gallstone Treatment

Cholesterol gallstones are solid deposits that form in the gallbladder and develop when there is an imbalance in the components of bile. Pristyn Care provides advanced laparoscopic cholecystectomy for cholesterol gallstones in India. Book a consultation today for proper guidance and undergo an effective cholesterol gallstone surgery.

Cholesterol gallstones are solid deposits that form in the gallbladder and develop when ... Read More

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Dr. Milind Joshi

MBBS, MS - General Surgery

26 Yrs.Exp.

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Kimaya Clinic, 501B, 5th floor, One Place, SN 61/1/1, 61/1/3, near Salunke Vihar Road, Oxford Village, Wanowrie, Pune, Maharashtra 411040

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What is a Cholesterol Gallstone?

Gallstones are pieces of solid material that develop in your gallbladder, a small organ under your liver. The gallbladder stores and releases bile, a fluid made in the liver, to aid in digestion. Bile carries wastes like cholesterol and bilirubin, which your body produces when it breaks down red blood cells.

There are two types of gallstones: calcium bilirubinate gallstone and cholesterol gallstone. Cholesterol stones are created when the bile is supersaturated with cholesterol, which may result from reduced bile acid production, increased cholesterol output in bile, or both.

Cholesterol gallstones are the most common kind of gallstones, accounting for about 80% of cases. They may not cause any symptoms in some people. However, when a gallstone blocks the bile duct, it can cause gallbladder attacks, which are indicated by sudden and intense pain in the upper abdomen, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. In some cases, complications such as inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis), pancreatitis, or blockage of the common bile duct can happen, requiring medical intervention.

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Diagnosis And Treatment of Cholesterol Gallstone

Diagnosis of Cholesterol Gallstone

The diagnosis of cholesterol gallstones typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. A healthcare professional will ask you about your symptoms and the history of health concerns that make you more likely to get cholesterol gallstones. The healthcare professional may also ask if you have a family history of gallstones.

During a physical exam, the healthcare professional examines your body to check for signs such as tenderness or pain in the abdomen. Diagnostic tests and procedures used to diagnose cholesterol gallstones and complications of cholesterol gallstones include:

Abdominal ultrasound. This is the most commonly used test to look for signs of cholesterol gallstones. Abdominal ultrasound involves moving a device (transducer) back and forth across the stomach region. The transducer transmits signals to a computer, which produces images that show the structures in your abdomen.
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). This test can help pinpoint smaller stones that may be missed on an abdominal ultrasound. During endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), the doctor passes a thin, flexible tube (endoscope) through the mouth and the digestive tract. A small ultrasound device (transducer) present in the tube makes sound waves that form a precise image of surrounding tissue.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI machines utilize radio waves and magnets to create detailed images of the organs and soft tissues without X-rays. MRIs can show cholesterol gallstones in the ducts of the biliary tract.
Blood tests. Blood tests are not used to directly diagnose cholesterol gallstones but can help assess the function of the liver and pancreas. High liver enzymes or levels of bilirubin may signify complications connected to gallstones, such as inflammation, infection, pancreatitis, or blockage of the bile ducts.
Oral Cholecystography: This diagnostic test involves ingesting a contrast dye in the form of a tablet. The dye is absorbed by the intestines and passed into bile. X-rays are then taken to visualize the flow of the dye and see any cholesterol gallstones in the gallbladder.
Cholescintigraphy. Cholescintigraphy or hydroxy iminodiacetic acid scan utilizes a safe radioactive material to create pictures of the biliary tract. The radioactive material is injected into a vein in the arm. A special camera then takes pictures of the radioactive material as it moves through the biliary tract to diagnose abnormal contractions of your gallbladder or a blockage in the bile ducts.
Percutaneous Transhepatic Cholangiography (PTC): PTC involves injecting a contrast dye into the liver through the skin, guided by imaging techniques such as ultrasound or CT scan. This procedure allows visualization of the bile ducts and can help detect cholesterol gallstones or any obstructions in the biliary system.

Treatment of Cholesterol Gallstone

The usual treatment for cholesterol gallstones is surgery to remove the gallbladder. Surgery to remove the gallbladder, called cholecystectomy, is one of the most common procedures to treat cholesterol gallstones. The gallbladder is not a crucial organ, which means you can live normally without a gallbladder. Surgeons perform two types of cholecystectomy:

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure commonly used to remove cholesterol gallstones and the gallbladder. It is considered the standard and safest surgical treatment for symptomatic gallstones and has several advantages over traditional open surgery. In this surgery, the surgeon makes 4 to 5 small incisions in the abdomen. These incisions function as access points for the laparoscopic instruments. The surgeon then inserts a laparoscope through one of the incisions and removes your gallbladder through another. Smaller incisions make for less postoperative pain and a faster recovery time than open surgery. Surgeons perform laparoscopic cholecystectomies on an outpatient basis, meaning you may be able to go home the same day. In addition, you can return to regular physical activity in about a week.
Open cholecystectomy. Open cholecystectomy or open surgery for cholesterol gallstones is a traditional surgical approach where a larger incision is created in the abdomen to access the gallbladder and execute the removal procedure. While laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the best and most commonly performed method for cholesterol gallstone removal, open surgery may be necessary in certain situations. A surgeon performs an open cholecystectomy when your gallbladder is severely infected, inflamed, or scarred from other operations.
In this surgery, the surgeon carefully examines and removes the gallbladder from its attachments to the liver and bile ducts. Specialized instruments are used to control bleeding and ensure the complete removal of the gallbladder. After the gallbladder is removed, the incision is closed with sutures or staples. After the open surgery, you may need to stay in the hospital for up to a week. In addition, recovery time may be extended, and there may be more postoperative pain and discomfort due to the larger incision.

What Is The Most Effective Treatment Option For Cholesterol Gallstone?

Laparoscopic surgery is the most effective surgical option for cholesterol gallstones because it provides several advantages compared to open surgery. Here are some reasons why laparoscopic surgery is commonly preferred by healthcare providers for cholesterol gallstones :

Reduced blood loss- Since small incisions are made in laparoscopic surgery, it results in less blood loss during the treatment of cholesterol gallstones than in open surgery.
Less pain- Pain is a major worry of any patient undergoing any sort of medical procedure, and laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is no exception. However, laparoscopic surgery is carried out under general anesthetic, so you will not have any awareness of the surgery. Furthermore, since the wounds that need to heal are smaller, you can also benefit from less postoperative pain.
Lower risk of complications- Laparoscopic surgery has a lower complication risk than open surgery. The smaller incisions in surgery result in less blood loss, reduced risk of hernias, and decreased likelihood of other surgical area complications.
Faster recovery- In almost all cases of laparoscopic surgery, you should be able to leave the hospital on the same day as your procedure, allowing you to get home to the comfort and care of your family. Patients who opt for laparoscopic gallbladder surgery can generally return to their usual day-to-day activities around two weeks after their procedure. However, in open surgery, you can expect to stay in the hospital for three to five days and require up to eight weeks to get back to normal.
Faster return to regular diet- Patients who undergo laparoscopic surgery can often resume a regular diet quickly. Since there is no necessity to make dietary modifications, patients can typically return to their regular eating habits without any restrictions.
Lower risk of incisional hernias- The smaller incisions used in laparoscopic surgery lead to a lower risk of incisional hernias. Incisional hernias happen when the abdominal wall weakens or gaps form in the incision site, allowing internal organs or tissues to protrude. The smaller incisions in laparoscopic surgery reduce stress on the abdominal wall, reducing the likelihood of developing incisional hernias.

How To Prepare For A Cholecystectomy?

Preparing for a cholecystectomy typically involves several steps to ensure a smooth and successful procedure. Here are some general guidelines to help you prepare for the surgery:

Your healthcare provider will explain the complete surgical procedure to you. Ask him or her any questions you have.
Eat nothing the night before your surgery. However, you may drink a sip of water with your medications, but avoid eating and drinking at least four to five hours before your surgery.
Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
Abstain from shaving the abdominal area before surgery.
If you smoke or consume alcohol, it’s essential to quit or significantly reduce your intake before the surgery. Smoking and alcohol can disturb the healing process and increase the risk of complications.
In the days leading up to your surgery, your surgeon may suggest specific dietary changes. This may involve avoiding fatty or greasy foods that can activate gallstone symptoms. Follow their instructions diligently to help minimize any discomfort.
Tell your doctor about all the medications and supplements you take. Continue taking most medications as prescribed. However, your doctor may ask you to stop taking certain medications and supplements because they may raise the risk of bleeding.
Most people can go home the same day of their cholecystectomy, but complications can arise that need one or more nights in the hospital. Therefore, plan ahead if you need to stay in the hospital by bringing personal items, like your toothbrush, comfortable clothing, etc.
Find someone to drive you home and stay with you.

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What Are The Post-Operative Care Tips To Follow After A Cholecystectomy for Cholesterol Gallstone?

After undergoing cholecystectomy, it’s essential to follow post-operative care tips advised by your healthcare provider to ensure a smooth recovery. Here are some general tips to follow:

Take prescribed medications: Your surgeon may prescribe medications to control pain, prevent infection, and assist in the healing process. Take these medications as directed by your surgeon, and never hesitate to ask questions or voice concerns about your medications to your healthcare provider. Also, if you have not had a bowel movement by the third day after surgery, you may take a gentle laxative such as Milk of Magnesia.
Care for your incisions: Remove your band-aids or gauze two days after you get home. In addition, you may shower on the second day after surgery. However, it’s essential to keep the dressings and incision site dry until then. If you have small brown strips of tape across the incisions, you may gently wash over them and pat the strips of tape dry after the shower. Let these fall off by themselves.
Manage pain and discomfort: Take pain medications as prescribed by your surgeon to handle post-operative pain. Use ice packs or warm compresses on the surgical area to help ease pain or discomfort.
Gradually resume activities: You will feel easily tired for at least one week after discharge; this is normal. Start with light activities and slowly increase your level of physical activity as advised by your healthcare provider. Walking is often encouraged to help in recovery. Also, avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, or vigorous exercise during the first week after surgery.
Follow a healthy diet: You may return to regular food after you get home from your surgery. However, avoid heavy foods and carbonated beverages after surgery for several days.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated throughout your recovery process. Sip water frequently, mainly in the first few days after surgery, to prevent dehydration.
Manage constipation: Some people may experience constipation after surgery due to certain factors like pain medications or reduced physical activity. Increase your fiber intake through fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and drink plenty of water to help prevent or relieve constipation.
Be aware of potential digestive changes: It’s common to experience changes in digestion after cholesterol gallstone removal. Some individuals may temporarily experience loose stools or more frequent bowel movements. Therefore, consult your surgeon for guidance if you notice persistent digestive problems or have concerns.

What Happens If Cholesterol Gallstone Is Left Untreated?

If cholesterol gallstones are left untreated, they can potentially lead to several complications and health problems. Here are some potential consequences of untreated cholesterol gallstones:

Gallbladder disease. Cholesterol gallstones are the most common cause of gallbladder disorders. When they get stuck, they cause bile to back up into the gallbladder, resulting in inflammation. This can damage your gallbladder, scar the tissues and prevent it from functioning. The stalled flow of bile also makes infections in the gallbladder more likely.
Liver disease. A blockage in the biliary system can cause bile to back up into the liver. This will cause inflammation in the liver, leading to an increased risk of infection and long-term scarring over time (cirrhosis). If your liver stops performing well, your entire biliary system breaks down. You can live without a gallbladder but not without a liver.
Gallstone pancreatitis. In some circumstances, gallstones can travel from the gallbladder into the common bile duct and obstruct the pancreatic duct, causing inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). Pancreatitis can lead to intense abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and digestive issues. It is a serious medical condition that needs immediate medical attention.
Cholangitis. Inflammation in the bile ducts can cause infections in the short term and scarring in the long term. Scarring in the bile ducts causes them to narrow, which restricts bile flow. This can lead to long-term bile-flow issues even after the blockage has been removed.
Malabsorption. If bile can’t travel to the small intestine as intended, you might have a problem breaking down and absorbing nutrients from the food. Bile is essential for breaking down fats and absorbing fat-soluble vitamins in your small intestine.
Gallstone ileus: Rarely, a large cholesterol gallstone can erode through the gallbladder wall and form a passage (fistula) into the small intestine. This can lead to a condition called gallstone ileus, where the stone blocks the intestine, causing extreme abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and vomiting. Gallstone ileus is a medical emergency that needs surgical intervention.
Increased risk of gallbladder cancer: If cholesterol gallstones are not treated on time, it can increase the risk of developing gallbladder cancer. Chronic inflammation and irritation caused by cholesterol gallstones can contribute to the growth of cancerous changes in the gallbladder lining.

What Are The Possible Complications Of Cholecystectomy?

Cholecystectomy is considered a relatively safe procedure, but like all operations, there’s a small risk of complications. Here are some possible complications of cholecystectomy:

Infection: Some people can develop a wound or internal infection after gallbladder removal surgery. Signs of a possible infection include rising pain, swelling or redness, and pus leaking from the wound. Consult your healthcare provider if you develop these symptoms, as you may require a short course of antibiotics.
Bleeding: Bleeding can occur after your surgery, although this is very rare. If it does occur, you may need another surgery to stop it.
Bile leakage: When the gallbladder is removed, special clips are utilized to seal the tube that connects the gallbladder to the main bile duct. But bile fluid can sometimes leak into the tummy (abdomen) after removing the gallbladder. Symptoms of a bile leak include tummy pain, feeling sick, a fever, and a swollen tummy. Sometimes this fluid can be drained off. Sometimes, surgery is needed to drain the bile and wash out the inside of your tummy.
Injury to the bile duct: The bile duct can be damaged during a cholecystectomy. If this happens during surgery, it may be possible to repair it immediately. However, in some cases, further surgery is required after your original operation.
Injury to the intestine, bowel, and blood vessels: The surgical instruments that remove the gallbladder can also injure surrounding structures, such as the intestine, bowel, and blood vessels. This type of injury is rare and can be repaired at the time of the surgery. Sometimes injuries are noticed afterward, and a further operation is required.
Deep vein thrombosis: Some people are at a higher risk of developing blood clots after surgery. This is known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT can be a serious condition because the clot can travel around the body and block blood flow into the lungs (pulmonary embolism).
Anesthesia-related complications: Some people may experience allergic reactions or other complications related to anesthesia, such as breathing problems, changes in blood pressure, or irregular heartbeat.
Post-cholecystectomy syndrome: Some people experience symptoms similar to those caused by cholesterol gallstones after surgery, which include tummy pain, indigestion, diarrhea, yellowing of the eyes and skin (jaundice), a high temperature (fever), etc. This is known as post-cholecystectomy syndrome (PCS). It’s usually caused by bile leaking into areas such as the stomach or by gallstones being left in the bile ducts. In most circumstances, symptoms are mild and short-lived but can persist for many months.
Digestive problems: Some people may experience temporary digestive problems, such as diarrhea, bloating, or difficulty digesting fatty foods, as the body adjusts to the absence of the gallbladder. These symptoms usually improve over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the recovery process like after cholecystectomy?

Recovery after cholecystectomy is generally relatively quick. Most individuals can resume their everyday activities within a week or two after laparoscopic surgery or a few weeks after open surgery. Pain and discomfort at the surgical sites are expected initially, but they improve with time. Your healthcare provider will provide specific instructions for postoperative care and pain management to support your recovery.

What are the dietary tips to follow after a cholesterol gallstone removal surgery?

After a cholesterol gallstone removal surgery, it’s essential to follow a balanced and nutritious diet that facilitates healing and supports digestive health. Here are some dietary recommendations to follow:

Gradually introduce solid foods into your diet after surgery. Start with bland, easily digestible options such as toast or boiled potatoes.
Focus on a low-fat diet such as lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products.
Stay hydrated. Drink fluids throughout the day to stay hydrated and promote healthy digestion.
Minimize gas-producing foods such as carbonated beverages, beans, lentils, onions, and garlic.

Can I still develop other gallbladder-related conditions after cholecystectomy?

Cholecystectomy eliminates the risk of developing new gallstones and gallbladder-related conditions such as cholecystitis or gallbladder cancer. However, it does not prevent the development of other conditions affecting the bile ducts or liver.

How successful is cholesterol gallstone surgery?

Cholesterol gallstone surgery is highly successful in treating gallstones and their associated symptoms. The success rate of the surgery is typically high, with most patients experiencing significant relief from symptoms after the procedure. The surgery effectively removes the gallbladder, eliminating the presence of cholesterol gallstones and preventing their recurrence.

Will I have scars after cholecystectomy?

Cholecystectomy is commonly performed laparoscopically, using just 3-4 small incisions. In most possibilities, these incisions heal properly, resulting in small scars that fade over time. The number and size of the incisions can differ depending on factors such as the surgeon’s technique and the patient’s anatomy. An open cholecystectomy may be necessary in some cases, resulting in a larger incision and scar.

What is the cost of cholesterol gallstone removal surgery in India?

The cost of a cholesterol gallstone removal surgery in India may range from Rs. 90,000 to Rs. 2,60,000. However, the cost of the surgery is not specific and depends on distinct factors like the location of the hospital where the surgery takes place, the number and size of the gallstones, doctor’s consultation and operating fee, the technique used to remove the gallbladder, etc.

Medically Reviewed By

Dr. Milind Joshi

26 Years Experience Overall

Last Updated : April 11, 2025

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