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Gallstones: when the gallbladder needs to come out

Illustration of the stomach
Medically reviewed by

Dr. Arjun Medapati, MS, FMASConsultant General & Laparoscopic Surgeon

Last reviewed · 6 min read

Plenty of people have gallstones and never know it. Surgery enters the conversation when the stones start causing symptoms or complications.

Dr. Arjun Medapati

Consultant General & Laparoscopic Surgeon

MBBS, MS, FMAS, DMAS

11 YrsAMASI Member
Book AppointmentView Profile →

When removal is recommended

  • Repeated episodes of biliary colic
  • An episode of gallbladder inflammation
  • Stones that have passed into the bile duct
  • Gallstone-related pancreatitis

Important

Pain with fever or yellowing of the eyes suggests a complication and needs same-day assessment.

Speak to the general surgery team

Daycare procedures, cashless insurance, and consultations seven days a week at Gachibowli.

When should I see a doctor about gallstones?
Book a consultation if symptoms persist, get worse, wake you at night, or come with bleeding, fever or unexplained weight loss. Anything that does not settle within a few weeks is worth having looked at.
Will I need surgery?
Often not. Many conditions settle with medication, physiotherapy or a change in daily habits. Surgery is discussed when simpler measures have been tried, or when the problem is structural.

Still unsure what is causing your symptoms?

A short consultation with a Lux general surgery specialist can tell you what you are dealing with — and what, if anything, needs treating.

Gachibowli, Hyderabad · Seven days a week · Cashless insurance accepted

Sources & references

Published · Last reviewed · Next review due March 2027

This article is published for general education. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an in-person consultation. If you are worried about a symptom, please speak to a qualified doctor.

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