If you have ever felt sharp pain in your upper abdomen or indigestion after a meal, you could be facing a gallstone problem. Although there are different ways to treat this condition, here we recommend gallbladder surgery as the best solution to eliminate the problem from the root and avoid future complications. In this article, you will learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options, as well as the benefits of opting for laparoscopic surgery.
What Are Gallstones and Why Are They Formed?
Gallstones are solid deposits that form in the gallbladder, a small organ responsible for storing bile, necessary to digest fats. When bile contains too much cholesterol, bile salts, or bilirubin, it can crystallize and form these stones. Some of the main causes of this condition include:
- Diet high in fat and cholesterol.
- Obesity or overweight.
- Pregnancy, due to hormonal changes.
- Metabolic disorders or family history of stones.
Not everyone develops symptoms right away, but over time the stones can grow or shift, causing significant discomfort.
What Are the Symptoms of Gallstones?
Symptoms of gallstones vary from person to person, but the most common include:
- Severe pain on the right side of the abdomen, especially after heavy or fatty meals.
- Nausea and vomiting, generally after eating fatty foods.
- Abdominal bloating or feeling of heaviness.
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) if stones block the bile duct.
- Fever or chills if an infection (cholecystitis) develops.
When these symptoms are frequent, it is important to see a doctor to avoid more serious complications such as infections or inflammation of the pancreas.
Treatments for Gallstones: Options and Effectiveness
There are several alternatives to treat gallstones, but the choice depends on the size of the stones and the severity of the case. Among the most common options are:
- Solvent medications: These can help dissolve some types of stones, but the process is slow and not always effective, especially if the stones are large or numerous.
- Diet and lifestyle changes: Reducing fat consumption may relieve some symptoms, but it does not eliminate existing stones.
- Lithotripsy: This technique uses shock waves to break up stones, but it is not always appropriate and may require additional procedures.
Although these alternatives may offer temporary relief, surgery remains the most effective option to prevent stones from recurring or causing complications.
Gallbladder Surgery: The Definitive Treatment
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the most recommended procedure to remove gallstones and prevent future episodes. During this surgery, the gallbladder is completely removed through small incisions in the abdomen, using a laparoscope (a tiny camera) to guide the surgeon.
Advantages of Laparoscopic Surgery
- Shorter recovery time: Most patients can return to normal activities within a few days.
- Minimal scars: The incisions are small, which reduces the aesthetic impact.
- Lower risk of complications: This method is less invasive than open surgery.
- High effectiveness: By eliminating the gallbladder, stones and the risk of new ones forming in the future are also eliminated.
In most cases, patients experience immediate pain relief after surgery and can lead a completely normal life without the gallbladder.
When Should I Consider Surgery?
If gallstones cause recurring pain, bile duct obstruction, or frequent infections, your doctor will likely recommend surgery. Ignoring symptoms could lead to serious complications, such as acute pancreatitis or cholecystitis, requiring emergency care.
Dr. Sergio del Hoyo has extensive experience in laparoscopic surgery for the treatment of gallstones. The Doctor and his team will provide you with personalized attention and will ensure that your procedure is safe, fast, and with as little discomfort as possible.
Conclusion: Gallbladder Surgery as a Definitive Solution
Although there are temporary options to treat gallstones, such as medications or dietary changes, laparoscopic surgery is the only option guaranteed to eliminate the problem from the root. With this intervention, not only is the pain relieved, but it prevents the stones from recurring in the future.
If you suffer from frequent abdominal pain or have been diagnosed with gallstones, don’t let the situation worsen. Consult Dr. Sergio del Hoyo in Puerto Vallarta and get a safe and effective treatment to recover your well-being.
Schedule your appointment today and learn how we can help you through gallbladder surgery. With Dr Sergio del Hoyo, your health is in the hands of specialists committed to your recovery.
