Most gallstones discovered incidentally on ultrasound, without any symptoms, do not require surgery. The evidence supports a watchful approach for truly asymptomatic gallstones because the annual risk of developing symptoms is low, and the risk of surgery generally outweighs the benefit when there is no current problem to address. The picture changes when gallstones produce biliary colic, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, or bile duct obstruction: at that point, laparoscopic cholecystectomy becomes the appropriate next step. Special consideration may be given to certain high-risk groups, such as patients with a porcelain gallbladder, very large stones, or other specific factors, which are discussed individually during consultation at Narayana Multispeciality Hospital or RK Speciality Clinic, Mysuru.
Written by Dr. Lokesh H M, MBBS (Al-Ameen Medical College, Bijapur), MS General Surgery (PGIMER, Chandigarh), MCh Surgical Gastroenterology (SGPGIMS, Lucknow), Fellowship in Pancreato-Biliary Surgery (SGPGIMS, Lucknow), FMAS (Fellowship in Minimal Access Surgery), Senior Consultant Surgical Gastroenterologist, Narayana Multispeciality Hospital, Mysuru (Monday to Saturday, 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM) and RK Speciality Clinic, Vijayanagar 2nd Stage, Mysuru (Monday to Saturday, 7 PM to 8:30 PM). Phone: +91 89719 08095.
