Gallstones: Is it necessary to have surgery?

The gallbladder is a green, pear-shaped organ located next to the liver, on the right side of the abdomen.

Among its functions is the storage of bile that is formed in the liver. Bile, on the other hand, helps us to absorb fat from food.

When the gallbladder loses the capacity to maintain this liquid, sediments, lumps and stones begin to form.

What are the symptoms?

1. Intense pain: when the stones obstruct the exit of bile.
2. Nausea
3. Vomiting
4. Discomfort that can last up to 2-4 hours and can be relieved with painkillers.

"If the pain persists and the obstruction is maintained, the gallbladder may become inflamed; in that case we will have much more intense pain that does not subside. Usually the patient consults the Emergency Room and we already have what we know as cholecystitis", explainedDr. Alba Zúñiga, specialist in General and Laparoscopic Surgery at Clínica Bíblica.

How is it diagnosed?

The diagnosis is made with an ultrasound of the abdomen focused on the liver, to evaluate the state of the gallbladder, and the evidence of stones.

When there is a persistent obstruction, the gallbladder begins to swell, to fill with liquid, and this produces a very intense pain in the patient. This patient arrives for consultation because the pain does not improve after taking analgesics. This situation is considered an emergency because the inflammation can perforate the gallbladder.

"Should I have surgery? Yes, if the disease is already causing symptoms, it is definitely necessary to operate; the stones are not going to disappear and can complicate the whole scenario. It is better to have the surgery scheduled and avoid complications," added the specialist.

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