Does your upper abdomen hurt after meals, which sometimes radiates to the right shoulder?
If you often feel stabbing pain in your right upper abdomen after eating, it’s likely more than just indigestion. You may be dealing with gallstones. These are hard deposits in your gallbladder.
These can lead to severe pain, nausea, and even vomiting. Many people experience sudden attacks that become more frequent over time.
In this blog, you will learn what gallstones are, when surgery is necessary, and how doctors remove them safely. We will also explain the early signs of gallbladder trouble and why timely treatment is so important.
What are Gallstones?
Gallstones are hard lumps that form inside the gallbladder. This small organ sits below your liver and stores bile to help digest fats. Gallstones are mostly made of cholesterol or bile salts. They can be as small as a grain of sand or as big as a golf ball. The medical name for this condition is cholelithiasis.
These stones can block the flow of bile. This leads to bloating, indigestion, and pain, especially after eating oily or heavy food. Nausea is also common.
What size of gallstones requires surgery?
Size is important, but symptoms matter more. Stones bigger than 2 cm usually require surgery. But even small stones can cause problems if they block a bile duct.
If the doctor spots gallstones on an ultrasound, they will also check for swelling or blockage.
Surgery is often needed when:
- You get repeated gallstone attacks
- Your gallbladder is inflamed
- You’ve had a severe episode of abdominal pain
What are the first signs of a bad Gallbladder?
Look out for these symptoms:
- Pain in the right upper abdomen, worse after meals
- Nausea or vomiting
- Feeling bloated or gassy
- Fever with chills (sometimes)
These are signs that your gallbladder is struggling. Doctors usually confirm this with a liver function test or an abdominal scan.
How many gallbladder attacks before removal?
If you’ve had two or more attacks, doctors usually recommend removing the gallbladder. Sometimes, even one strong attack is enough, especially if it lasts for hours or causes a lot of discomfort.
Delaying surgery increases the risk of bile duct blockages or infections.
What is the safest way to remove Gallstones?
The safest and most effective treatment is Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy. This is a type of keyhole surgery where the surgeon removes your gallbladder through small cuts in the abdomen.
Benefits include:
- Minimal scarring
- Less pain
- Short hospital stay
- Quick recovery
Medicines or bile acid pills are sometimes used. But they don’t offer long-term relief and are only given if surgery isn’t possible.
How serious is surgery for Gallstone removal?
Gallbladder surgery is safe and common. Surgeons perform it often using minimally invasive techniques. The risk of complications is low.
Most people recover quickly and go home the next day. You’ll also get advice on diet changes after surgery to help your body adjust without a gallbladder.
Why choose us?
Looking for a trusted general surgeon in Dumdum?
At Phoenix Medical Centre, we offer:
- Accurate diagnosis using ultrasound and liver tests
- Expert laparoscopic gallbladder removal
- Full support before and after surgery
- Compassionate care that puts you first
We make sure every patient gets the attention they deserve.
Gallstones are painful but treatable
Gallstones don’t just hurt. They disturb your daily life and can lead to serious health problems if ignored. The good news? With early diagnosis and proper treatment, they can be removed safely and easily.
Want to get relief from gallstone pain?
Visit Phoenix Medical Centre today. Talk to our experienced general surgeon in Dumdum and take the first step toward a pain-free life.