What is gallbladder stones?
Gallstones are hardened deposits that form in the gallbladder, a small pouch under the liver that stores bile. They are very common and often silent, but once they cause symptoms the standard treatment is to remove the gallbladder — an operation called cholecystectomy.
Removing the gallbladder does not affect digestion in the long term; bile simply flows directly from the liver into the intestine. Dissolving medicines and lithotripsy are rarely effective for gallstones and have high recurrence, which is why surgery is preferred once symptoms appear.
Symptoms & when surgery is needed
How it is diagnosed
- Ultrasound of the abdomen — the primary and most reliable test for gallstones
- Liver function tests to check for bile-duct involvement
- MRCP (a special MRI) if a stone in the main bile duct is suspected
- Blood counts and inflammatory markers if infection is suspected
Treatment options
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy
The standard of care — the gallbladder is removed through four small keyhole incisions, usually as day-care surgery.
Robotic cholecystectomy
An option for difficult or scarred anatomy, offering magnified 3D vision and fine control.
Open cholecystectomy
Occasionally needed for severe inflammation or dense adhesions, decided for safety during surgery.
ERCP + surgery
If stones have slipped into the bile duct, an endoscopic clearance (ERCP) is combined with gallbladder removal.
The procedure, step by step
- 1
Anaesthesia
Performed under general anaesthesia.
- 2
Keyhole access
Four small ports (5–10 mm) are placed; the abdomen is gently inflated with CO₂ for a clear view.
- 3
Safe dissection
The cystic duct and artery are identified using the critical-view-of-safety technique and sealed.
- 4
Removal
The gallbladder with its stones is freed from the liver bed and removed through one port.
- 5
Closure
Ports are closed with absorbable sutures or glue.
Recovery timeline
Same day
Sips and light food a few hours after surgery; most patients go home the same day.
2–3 days
Back to routine light activity and a normal, low-fat diet.
1 week
Return to office work and driving.
2–3 weeks
Full activity, including exercise and heavier work.
Risks & considerations
- Minor wound infection or port-site bruising
- Temporary loose stools after fatty meals as digestion adjusts
- Bile leak or bile-duct injury — rare with careful, standardised technique
- Conversion to open surgery if inflammation makes keyhole unsafe
Cost in Hyderabad
| Procedure | Indicative range |
|---|---|
| Laparoscopic cholecystectomy | ₹55,000 – ₹1,10,000 |
| Difficult / acute cholecystitisSevere inflammation increases stay & cost | ₹85,000 – ₹1,50,000 |
| Robotic cholecystectomy | ₹1,10,000 – ₹1,90,000 |
| ERCP (bile-duct stone clearance)When combined with surgery | ₹35,000 – ₹70,000 |
These are indicative ranges for Hyderabad and vary with the grade or complexity of the condition, the technique chosen, implants used, room category and insurance. They are not a quotation. Please contact the clinic for a personalised estimate after consultation.
Why choose Dr. Satish Reddy
Frequently asked questions
For symptomatic gallstones, no reliable long-term option leaves the gallbladder in place — stones recur because the diseased gallbladder keeps forming them. Removing the gallbladder cures the problem permanently and is very well tolerated.
Yes. The gallbladder only stores bile; the liver continues to produce it and it flows straight into the intestine. Most people eat normally within weeks, with only a short period of avoiding very fatty meals.
Keyhole surgery causes far less pain than open surgery. Mild shoulder-tip or port-site discomfort for a day or two is managed with simple painkillers.
Untreated symptomatic stones can cause infection (cholecystitis), pancreatitis or blockage of the bile duct — all more serious and harder to treat than a planned day-care operation.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Y. Satish Reddy
MS, PDF (Surgical Gastroenterology) · Updated 1 September 2026