Gallstone Specialist Doctors in Noida | Safe Treatment Options

Gallstones have a high incidence rate in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam. In fact, people in these states are more likely to get gallbladder cancer than in other parts of India. The increased risk of gallstones is caused by dietary factors, obesity, and high-fat consumption. The risk is highest among women between the ages of 40 and 60. Gallstones can impair the functioning of the pancreas and can even be fatal in case of gallbladder rupture.

Gallstones in Noida, which is a part of the National Capital Region (NCR) and, in turn, a part of Uttar Pradesh, are a common health problem. The services of gallstone specialists near you in Noida, along with surgical intervention is often required in case of gallstones. To help patients get holistic medical care, the MASSH MANAS Super Speciality Hospital in Noida offers highly advanced and safe minimally invasive surgical treatments for gallstones.

In this blog, we will review what gallstones are, their causes and risk factors, along with important symptoms and preventative measures. We will also review the specialised surgical treatments offered by the MASSH MANAS Super Speciality Hospital in Noida, and how they can be life-changing for patients.

About Gallstones

Gallstones are medically called cholelithiasis. They are hardened pieces of bile, which is an alkaline digestive fluid secreted by your liver that’s stored in your gallbladder. Bile aids in digestion and specifically helps in the breaking down of fatty foods in your digestive process. In most cases, gallstones are formed when the consistency of bile becomes thicker. 

Gallstones, much like kidney stones, can be very painful, with sharp and consistent pain in the upper abdomen region. Gallstones are inherently asymptomatic. However, when they stop the flow of bile in your body or get lodged in your biliary tract, that’s when symptoms arise, and medical treatment, generally surgical treatment, is required.

Treatment for Gallstones & Gallstone Specialists in Noida

Gallstones are generally identified by your primary care physician. The treatment process is started by gastroenterologists who ensure you are physically fit for surgical treatment or not. Considering how safe gallbladder removal surgery is, it is currently the most recommended treatment option for gallstones. Gastroenterologists also recommend medicine-based treatment to manage the symptoms caused by gallstones. However, surgery is most commonly recommended to prevent the risk of gallbladder cancer in the future. To get surgical treatment, gastroenterologists recommend patients to a general surgeon, specialising in laparoscopic surgery. Minimally invasive surgeries have become extremely common nowadays thanks to the advancements in surgical technology.

While the gallstone is a part of your digestive system, the human body adapts to its absence after it is removed surgically in case of gallstones. If you’re wondering why the gallbladder is removed instead of just the gallstones, it is because gallstones are formed due to abnormalities in the gallbladder itself. Removing the gallstones only maintains the risk of gallstone recurrence in the future. Considering the human body is capable of living healthily without a gallbladder and that it also reduces the risk of significant medical complications in the future, like gallbladder cancer, the entire organ is removed as the safest treatment option.

Causes of Gallstones

Gallstones can be caused by a number of factors. Generally, gallstones are caused by both indirect causes and direct causes. So, here is a detailed overview of the common causes of gallstones found in Noida patients.

• Excess Cholesterol: Cholesterol levels (LDL and HDL) are one of the more common causes of gallstones. Gallstones formed due to excess cholesterol in your body are called cholesterol stones. They are caused when the liver secretes more cholesterol than bile can dissolve, the excess cholesterol becomes sludge and leads to the formation of gallstones.
• Excess Bilirubin: These stones are also called pigment stones. Excess bilirubin is caused by liver dysfunctions, infections, or blood disorders. The excess bilirubin that’s produced by your liver due to the factors mentioned binds with calcium to form pigment stones. They are generally distinct from cholesterol stones.
• Cholestasis: This is a condition where the gallbladder doesn’t function properly, leading to slow movement of bile in your biliary tract. In such cases, gallstones form due to the sedimentation of bile. The malfunction of the gallbladder is one of the major reasons; gallbladder removal surgery is recommended in case of gallstones.
• Bile Acid Malabsorption: Some people lose bile acids in stool. If you’re losing too much bile acid in stool, it would lead to a bile acid deficiency, which would lead to excess cholesterol in your bile, leading to an increased risk of gallstones.

Gallstone Risk Factors in Noida

In India, specifically in the Delhi NCR region, where the risk of gallbladder cancer runs high, understanding your risk factors is crucial to preventing cancer and living a healthy life. We’ve included a consolidated list of the most important gallstone risk factors in Noida.

• Age: Gallstones develop over time, which is why older people are at a higher risk of gallstones than younger people. In fact, age is one of the most common risk factors for gallstones, with the highest risk borne by men over 60 and women between the ages of 20 and 50. Why is the age lower for women? That’s the second risk factor.
• Hormones: Hormones, specifically female reproductive hormones, namely oestrogen and progesterone, play a risk in the development of gallstones. Oestrogen causes an increase in cholesterol levels in the female body, and progesterone slows down the rate of gallbladder emptying. So, when women are fertile, and their hormonal levels are at a peak, it increases their risk of gallstones. The risk gradually declines as hormone levels fall with age.
• Body Weight: Excess body weight, specifically obesity, is a major risk factor for gallstones. This is because excess body fat releases oestrogen in the body. Higher oestrogen levels contribute to higher cholesterol levels in the body. High cholesterol levels contribute to gallstones, which is how body weight relates to the condition.

Gallstone Pain Area & What It Means

Gallstone pain is generally located in the upper right side of your abdomen. In men, the pain is experienced in the mentioned location under the right ribcage. The pain can also radiate sometimes to other areas. The list below details all the other areas in which you may also experience gallstone pain.

• Shoulders
• Back between the shoulder blades
• Right arm
• Middle of the abdomen
• Chest

Gallstone pain is experienced differently in women. Rather than feeling the pain directly in the upper right abdomen, women more often feel the pain in their shoulders, chest, or back. This is often known as referred pain. Gallstones are harder to detect in women because women are more prone to chronic pain. As a result, gallstone attacks can even be misinterpreted as general physical pain.

What Does Gallstone Pain Mean?

Gallstone pain is caused when there’s a blockage in your biliary tract caused by a gallstone. Major blockages cause intense pain immediately and may even require emergency medical treatment. For partial blockages, you may feel the pain when the gallbladder contracts, which may happen while you’re eating. Gallbladder contractions are more common when you’re eating a fat-rich diet. So, if you experience pain while having heavy, rich, or fatty food, it may be a sign of gallstones and requires timely medical checkups.

Diagnosis & Gallstone Treatment in Noida

Diagnosis of Gallstones

Gallstones are diagnosed using blood tests and imaging tests. Both these tests help doctors confirm the condition and prepare the patient for surgery.

• Blood Tests: The blood tests are used to understand the presence of inflammation in your body, as well as to check for conditions like jaundice, which is common in cases of serious gallstones. 
• Imaging Test: Imaging tests are performed to visually confirm the presence of gallstones in the body. An abdominal ultrasound is the most common imaging test used to test for the presence of gallstones. It must be noted that abdominal ultrasounds are highly successful in finding gallstones located in the gallbladder. However, for stones lodged in the biliary tract, further endoscopic imaging testing may be requested.

Methods for Gallstone Removal

Gallstone removal at the MASSH MANAS Super Speciality Hospital in Noida is performed with two specialised minimally invasive surgeries. These surgeries are safe and are specially performed using world-class surgical infrastructure to improve patient and surgical outcomes.

• 3D Laparoscopic Surgery: A laparoscopic gallbladder removal surgery involves making small incisions into the patient's body and removing the gallbladder using specialised surgical tools. 3D visualisation in a laparoscopic surgery allows surgeons to get depth perception inside the human body. It helps improve surgical precision and reduces the risk of damage to surrounding structures and tissue. The MASSH MANAS Super Speciality Hospital specialises in 3D laparoscopic surgery that’s safe and allows patients to recover quickly post-surgery.
• Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): ERCP is a minimally invasive gallstone removal surgery, which is performed endoscopically. A slim scope is inserted into the patient’s body through their mouth and made to travel down to the gallbladder. The scope has a camera attached to it for easy visualisation. Surgeons remove the gallbladder and even place stents in the biliary tract to complete the surgery. ERCP is very quick and safe, with no incisions made into the patient’s skin. This allows faster recovery for patients.

Our Hospital in Noida

The MASSH MANAS Super Speciality Hospital, located in Noida, is one of the best medical institutions for gallstone treatment in Delhi NCR. As a super speciality hospital, it offers complete end-to-end treatment for patients, complete with diagnostic testing, imaging tests, and blood work, all under one roof. Additionally, the MASSH MANAS Super Speciality Hospital is one of the most infrastructurally developed medical institutions in the region. featuring world-class surgical suites and surgical equipment that improve patient outcomes significantly. 

The hospital has a 50-bed capacity and offers specialised minimally invasive treatment options in the following departments: Advanced Urology, Laparoscopy & GI, Mother & Child Care, Orthopaedics, Obesity & Weight Management, Laparoscopic Gynaecology, Internal Medicine, Dialysis, Surgical Oncology & Chemotherapy, Critical Care, General Surgery, Andrology, Paediatrics, and ENT.

Meet Our Top Doctors for Gallbladder Removal in Noida

The medical team at the MASSH MANAS Super Speciality Hospital is one of the most experienced and dedicated teams among all MASSH Hospitals. For gallstone treatment, which is a common condition in Noida, gallstone specialists in Noida and the laparoscopic general surgery team are always ready to help patients get surgical treatment. The department is led by Dr. Amit Kumar. Dr. Kumar has over 20 years of experience and has performed over 10,000 laparoscopic general and GI surgeries.

Why MASSH MANAS Super Speciality Hospital?

The MASSH MANAS Super Speciality Hospital specialises in Personalised, Participatory, Predictive, Preventive, and Precision care. These are the 5P principles of the MASSH MANAS Super Speciality Hospital that govern every care decision. The hospital not only ensures holistic medical care, but it also participates in helping patients improve their diet and lifestyle. We take part in patient recovery journeys and help our patients feel happier and healthier. And that’s why you should choose the MASSH MANAS Super Speciality Hospital in Noida for gallstone treatment.

Benefits of Advanced Gallstone Removal Surgeries at MASSH MANAS Super Speciality Hospital in Noida

Advanced gallstone removal surgeries at the MASSH MANAS Super Speciality Hospital are defined by precision. Patients are discharged from the hospital on the same day of the surgery, which proves the surgical prowess of MASSH MANAS Super Speciality Hospital. In fact, for procedures like ERCP, patients do not even need to get admitted. The surgery can be performed on an outpatient basis. If you’re still not convinced, here’s a list of the various benefits you receive when you choose the MASSH MANAS Super Speciality Hospital in Noida.

• Holistic end-to-end medical care
• Personalised medical treatment that aligns with your lifestyle
• World-class surgical treatment that’s safe and quick
• Quick recovery time powered by advanced surgical technologies
• Experienced and dedicated medical team led by stalwart surgeons

FAQs Around Gallstone Treatment in Noida

What are gallstones?

Gallstones are small crystalline rocks formed due to the concentration of bile. These stones disrupt the functioning of the gallbladder and even get lodged in the biliary tract, which can cause symptoms like pain and other medical complications. Gallstones take time to form over the years, so people with high cholesterol levels are considered at high risk.

Are there any health risks of gallstones?

Yes, gallstones can cause several medical complications, including gallbladder rupture, which can be fatal. Apart from that, gallstones can be extremely painful. Lastly, gallstones can cause pancreatitis, which is a serious medical condition, as well as increase your risk for gallbladder cancer.

What is the main cause of gallstones?

Gallstones are caused when the bile concentrates and sediments in your gallbladder and biliary tract. There are numerous reasons for gallstone concentration, ranging from excess cholesterol in the body to underlying health conditions like cholestasis. Excess cholesterol in the body is the most common cause of gallstones.

Are gallstones asymptomatic?

Yes, for the most part, gallstones are asymptomatic. In fact, gallstones take years to form, while you’re living your life normally. Gallstones only cause health problems and symptoms when they stop the normal functioning of the gallbladder or block the flow of bile in your biliary tract.

How are gallstones diagnosed?

Gallstones are diagnosed using both blood tests and imaging tests. An abdominal ultrasonography is the most commonly used diagnostic test to detect gallstones. Blood tests that check patients for inflammation, jaundice, and cholesterol levels are also used to confirm medical suspicions.

Is surgery necessary for gallstone treatment?

Surgery is the safest long-term gallstone treatment. Undergoing gallbladder removal surgery also eliminates the risk of gallbladder cancer, which is common in people with recurrent gallstones. In fact, specifically for patients in Noida, where the risk of gallbladder cancer is high, surgical treatment for gallstones improves long-term health outcomes and patient lifespans.

Why should I choose Gallstone surgery at MASSH MANAS Super Speciality Hospital?

You should choose to undergo your gallstone surgery at the MASSH MANAS Super Speciality Hospital because we provide complete holistic medical care and safe, advanced, minimally invasive surgical treatments with quick recovery and optimised patient outcomes.

What is the recovery time for gallstone surgery?

The recovery time for gallstone surgery at the MASSH MANAS Super Speciality Hospital is less than one week. Patients get discharged from the hospital in 24 to 48 hours and can rejoin their work in less than 7 days. In fact, certain treatments at the MASSH MANAS Super Speciality Hospital support same-day discharge.

What is the cost of gallstone surgery in Noida?

The cost of gallstone surgery in Noida varies among hospitals. You can connect with our team at the MASSH MANAS Super Speciality Hospital in Noida to learn more about our pricing and insurance coverage for gallstone treatment.

How can I contact the MASSH MANAS Super Speciality Hospital in Noida?

You can connect with our team through our website or call us directly using the phone number provided. For direct consultations, feel free to visit us at our premises operational 24/7.