Gallstones: Recognise the Pain, Treat It Safely
Sudden pain in the upper abdomen after a heavy or fatty meal is a classic sign of gallstones. These small, hard deposits form in the gall bladder and can cause severe discomfort, infection or blockage of the bile duct. Although some stones remain silent for years, others lead to repeated attacks and complications. Finding the right Doctor For Gall Bladder Stone Treatment In Thane ensures that you receive an accurate diagnosis and the safest possible treatment plan. Dr. Manish Dodmani, a Senior Gastroenterologist and Interventional Endoscopist, has extensive experience in managing disorders of the gall bladder, bile ducts and pancreas.
What Causes Gallstones?
The gall bladder stores bile, a fluid that helps digest fats. When bile contains too much cholesterol or pigment, or when the gall bladder does not empty properly, stones can form. Risk factors include being overweight, rapid weight loss, pregnancy, a high-fat diet, diabetes, a family history of gallstones, being female and increasing age.
Common Symptoms
- Pain in the upper right or central abdomen, sometimes spreading to the back or right shoulder
- Nausea and vomiting, especially after fatty meals
- Bloating, indigestion and belching
- Fever with chills, which may suggest infection
- Yellow eyes or skin, dark urine and pale stools, which may suggest a stone in the bile duct
Severe, continuous pain, fever or jaundice requires urgent medical attention. If you are unsure whether your symptoms are serious, consult a Doctor For Gall Bladder Stone Treatment In Thane without delay.
Complications of Untreated Stones
Ignoring recurring attacks can result in inflammation of the gall bladder, stones moving into the bile duct, jaundice and bile duct infection. Stones can also block the pancreatic duct and trigger inflammation of the pancreas. To understand this risk better, read our page on pancreatitis.
How Gallstones Are Diagnosed
Diagnosis usually begins with an abdominal ultrasound, which is highly effective at detecting stones in the gall bladder. Blood tests help assess infection, liver function and bile duct blockage. If stones in the bile duct are suspected, further imaging or an endoscopic ultrasound may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis before treatment.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on whether the stones are causing symptoms and where they are located:
- Observation: stones that cause no symptoms are often monitored rather than treated
- Dietary advice: lower-fat meals may reduce the frequency of attacks, although this does not dissolve stones
- Gall bladder removal: keyhole surgery is the standard treatment for symptomatic stones in the gall bladder
- Endoscopic removal: stones that have moved into the bile duct can often be cleared without open surgery using ERCP
ERCP is a specialised, minimally invasive endoscopic procedure in which a flexible scope is passed through the mouth to reach the bile duct. Stones can be removed, blockages relieved and stents placed where required. Dr. Dodmani is skilled in this technique, and you can read about it on our ERCP page.
Living Well After Treatment
Most people recover quickly and return to normal activities. Maintaining a healthy weight, eating balanced meals and avoiding crash diets lowers the chance of further digestive problems. Follow-up visits help confirm that symptoms have resolved.
Why Patients Trust Dr. Dodmani
With more than 12,000 procedures performed and training at Tata Memorial Centre and KEM Hospital, Dr. Dodmani combines advanced skills with clear communication. He explains each option honestly so you can decide with confidence. Learn more about his background on the about page.
Do Not Wait for the Next Attack
Gallstone pain tends to return, often more severely. Early consultation with a Doctor For Gall Bladder Stone Treatment In Thane can prevent emergencies and complications. Book an evaluation today and get a clear, safe treatment plan.
For appointments please call – +91-8169294424.