Gallbladder Disease

Treatment depends on the type and severity of the disease. Broad options include:

Biliary Dyskinesia: Treatment

1. Surgical Treatment: The primary and most effective treatment for biliary dyskinesia is removal of the gallbladder through laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Most people experience significant symptom relief after surgery. This minimally invasive procedure involves small incisions, short hospital stay, and quicker recovery compared to open surgery.
2. Non-Surgical Options: Medicines such as erythromycin, and other agents may be tried to improve gallbladder motility in some cases, but the evidence for their effectiveness is limited. Dietary changes, specifically adopting a low-fat diet, and maintaining a healthy weight can help manage mild symptoms.
3. Observation: If symptoms are mild or diagnostic criteria are not clearly met, observation or medical management may be discussed with your doctor.

Gallbladder Polyps: Treatment

1. Monitoring: Small polyps (less than 1cm), with no symptoms and low risk features, usually require only periodic ultrasound follow-up to check for changes in size or number.
2. Surgical Treatment: Cholecystectomy (removal of the gallbladder) is recommended if the polyp is 1cm or larger, is growing in size, or if there are associated symptoms or other risk factors for cancer. This is often done using a laparoscopic technique.
3. Further Evaluation: Rarely, very large or suspicious polyps may need more advanced assessment or treatment to rule out malignancy.

Both conditions are best managed with regular consultation with a specialised surgeon, who can advise the most appropriate treatment based on the latest evidence and guidelines.

1. Watchful Waiting (Asymptomatic Stones)

People with asymptomatic gallstones often require no active treatment. Monitoring and periodic tests may be recommended unless they belong to high-risk groups.

1. Medication
   1. Pain relief and supportive care: For mild, self-limiting attacks.
   2. Antibiotics: Used when an infection is present.
2. Surgical Treatment
3. Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
   1. The gold standard and most common procedure for gallbladder removal.
   2. Involves making small incisions in the abdomen, using a camera and instruments to remove the gallbladder.
   3. Benefits include less pain, minimal scarring, shorter hospital stay, and rapid recovery.

Mumbai’s leading hospitals and senior surgeons prefer this minimally invasive technique for its safety and efficacy. Dr Pradeep Shriyan, with 23+ years of specialised experience, performs this procedure routinely, offering results aligned with the latest international standards.

1. Open Cholecystectomy
   1. Still essential in certain cases—e.g., complicated infections, abnormal anatomy, or when laparoscopic surgery is not feasible.
   2. Requires a larger incision and a longer recovery period but remains a reliable procedure if indicated.
2. Emergency Procedures in Complicated Disease
   1. Percutaneous Transhepatic Gallbladder Drainage: Sometimes used in critically ill or elderly patients who are not fit for surgery.
3. Non-Surgical Approaches

Patients unfit for surgery may benefit from drainage procedures or supportive management. However, these are generally reserved for very specific cases and not the standard for recurrent or complicated gallbladder disease.