Question 1

What are gallstones?

Accepted Answer

Gallstones are hardened deposits that form in the gallbladder from cholesterol or bilirubin. They range in size from a grain of sand to a golf ball. About 80% are cholesterol stones and 20% are pigment stones.

Question 2

What are the symptoms of gallstones?

Accepted Answer

Common symptoms include sudden, intense pain in the upper right abdomen (biliary colic), nausea, vomiting, bloating, and indigestion — especially after fatty meals. Pain may radiate to the right shoulder or back.

Question 3

Can gallstones dissolve on their own?

Accepted Answer

Small cholesterol stones may dissolve with oral medications (ursodiol), but this takes 6–24 months and stones often recur. Surgery is the most reliable and permanent treatment.

Question 4

Who is at risk for gallstones?

Accepted Answer

Risk factors include obesity, female gender, age over 40, pregnancy, family history, high-fat diet, rapid weight loss, diabetes, and certain medications. Women are twice as likely as men to develop gallstones.

Question 5

What happens if gallstones are left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated symptomatic gallstones can lead to cholecystitis (gallbladder infection), bile duct obstruction, pancreatitis, and rarely gallbladder cancer. Treatment is recommended for symptomatic stones.

Question 6

Is laparoscopic gallbladder surgery safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is one of the safest and most commonly performed surgeries worldwide. Our success rate exceeds 98.5%. Most patients go home the same day or next day.

Question 7

How long does gallbladder surgery take?

Accepted Answer

Laparoscopic surgery typically takes 45–90 minutes. Robotic surgery may take 60–120 minutes. Complex cases may take longer.

Question 8

Will I be awake during surgery?

Accepted Answer

No, gallbladder surgery is performed under general anesthesia. You will be completely asleep and feel no pain during the procedure.

Question 9

What is the difference between laparoscopic and robotic surgery?

Accepted Answer

Laparoscopic surgery uses a camera and instruments through 3–4 small incisions. Robotic surgery uses the Da Vinci robotic system for enhanced precision and 3D visualization. Both are minimally invasive; robotic is preferred for complex cases.

Question 10

Can I have surgery if I have other medical conditions?

Accepted Answer

Most patients with controlled medical conditions (diabetes, hypertension, heart disease) can safely undergo laparoscopic surgery. Our team performs a thorough pre-operative assessment to ensure safety.

Question 11

How long is recovery after gallbladder surgery?

Accepted Answer

With laparoscopic surgery, most patients return to light activities within 3–5 days and full activities within 1–2 weeks. Robotic surgery has similar recovery. Open surgery (rarely needed) requires 4–6 weeks.

Question 12

Will I need to follow a special diet after surgery?

Accepted Answer

For the first 2–4 weeks, follow a low-fat diet. Eat small, frequent meals. After that, most patients can eat normally. Some may need to permanently reduce very fatty foods.

Question 13

Can I drive after surgery?

Accepted Answer

You should not drive for at least 48–72 hours after general anesthesia. Once you are off narcotic pain medication and can react normally, driving is safe — usually within 3–5 days.

Question 14

When can I return to work?

Accepted Answer

Desk workers can typically return in 3–7 days. Physical laborers may need 2–4 weeks. Your surgeon will advise based on your specific job and recovery.

Question 15

Will I have scars after surgery?

Accepted Answer

Laparoscopic surgery leaves 3–4 small scars (5–10mm) that fade significantly over time. Single-incision surgery leaves virtually no visible scar. Robotic surgery has similar scarring to standard laparoscopy.

Question 16

What is ERCP?

Accepted Answer

ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) is a non-surgical procedure that uses an endoscope (flexible tube) passed through the mouth to diagnose and treat problems in the bile ducts, including removing CBD stones.

Question 17

Is ERCP painful?

Accepted Answer

ERCP is performed under sedation, so you won't feel pain during the procedure. Some mild discomfort or bloating may occur afterward, which resolves quickly.

Question 18

Do I still need gallbladder surgery after ERCP?

Accepted Answer

ERCP treats CBD stones but not the gallbladder itself. If you have gallbladder stones as well, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is usually recommended after ERCP to prevent recurrence.

Question 19

What is the success rate of ERCP?

Accepted Answer

ERCP has a 95%+ stone clearance rate for CBD stones. In rare cases, a repeat procedure may be needed for complete stone removal.

Question 20

Does insurance cover gallstone surgery?

Accepted Answer

Yes, gallstone surgery is covered by most health insurance plans in India, including government schemes like Ayushman Bharat. We assist with all insurance paperwork and pre-authorization.

Question 21

What is the cost of gallbladder surgery in Bangalore?

Accepted Answer

The cost varies based on the type of surgery, hospital, and insurance coverage. We provide transparent pricing during your consultation. Most insured patients have minimal out-of-pocket expenses.

Question 22

Is Ayushman Bharat accepted?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we accept Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) for eligible patients. Please bring your Ayushman Bharat card to your consultation for verification.

Question 23

Do you offer EMI or payment plans?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer flexible payment options for patients without insurance. Please discuss this with our billing team during your consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Gallstones

About Surgery

Recovery & Aftercare

ERCP & CBD Stones

Cost & Insurance

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