I Have Gallstones Frequently: Is It Time to Consider Surgery?

Gallstones are hardened deposits that form in your gallbladder. They can be painful and cause other digestive issues — and dealing with frequent gallstones can disrupt your life and interfere with your overall well-being.

If you have recurrent gallstones and you’re thinking it might be time to consider surgery, you’re in the right place. Balaguru Sambandam, MD, FACS, and our expert team at North Tarrant Health Providers offer gallbladder surgery in Fort Worth, Texas, and we can help you make an informed decision about your next steps.

Understanding gallstones

Your gallbladder is a small organ located beneath your liver. It stores bile, a digestive fluid produced by your liver, which helps break down fats in your diet. Gallstones are hardened deposits of cholesterol, bile salts, or bilirubin that form inside your gallbladder.

Gallstones can vary in size from tiny grains to large stones. And while they don’t always cause symptoms, they can become a chronic issue for some people. Frequent gallstone attacks can cause symptoms that include:

• Severe pain in your upper right abdomen
• Back pain between your shoulder blades
• Recurrent bouts of nausea and vomiting

Chronic gallstones can also lead to more serious complications, like gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis), pancreatitis, or jaundice, if a stone blocks bile ducts. 

What causes gallstones to form in the first place?

Gallstones form for a number of different reasons. One of the most common causes is an imbalance in the substances that make up bile. For instance, if your bile contains too much cholesterol, it can crystallize and form into stones.

Other factors include incomplete emptying of the gallbladder, which can make bile overly concentrated, and certain medical conditions, like cirrhosis or blood disorders, that can lead to increased bilirubin levels. Factors like obesity, a high-fat diet, rapid weight loss, pregnancy, and genetics can also increase your risk of gallstones.

The benefits of choosing surgery for gallstones

If you experience gallstone symptoms regularly, it may be time to consider gallbladder surgery —  especially if conservative measures, like lifestyle changes and medication, haven't provided sufficient relief. 

Dr. Sambandam specializes in minimally invasive cholecystectomy, a procedure that involves removing your gallbladder to prevent future gallstone formation.

Gallbladder surgery can be a good solution if you have frequent gallstone attacks, because removing your gallbladder eliminates the source of the stones. Your gallbladder isn’t an essential organ, and surgery can prevent future episodes of pain and complications to improve your quality of life.

How gallbladder removal surgery works

Whenever possible, Dr. Sambandam performs robotic-assisted laparoscopic cholecystectomy, a technique that involves making small incisions in your abdomen and inserting a camera and surgical instrument. It’s a minimally invasive method that usually results in less pain, shorter hospital stays, and quicker recovery times compared to open surgery.

During the procedure, Dr. Sambandam carefully removes your gallbladder and ensures that no stones are left behind in your bile ducts. He pulls your gallbladder out through one of the small incisions, then closes them with stitches. While any surgery carries risks, cholecystectomy is generally safe and effective, with a very high success rate in alleviating symptoms.

Without a gallbladder, bile flows directly from your liver to your small intestine. Recovery is relatively straightforward, and most patients can resume normal activities within a week or two.

If you’re living with the discomfort of frequent gallstones, it may be time to consider surgery. Book a consultation at North Tarrant Health Providers to learn more about your options and start your journey to better health. Call us at 817-904-4165 today, or request an appointment online at your convenience.