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Dispelling Eleven Common Myths About Gallbladder Surgery – Does Gallstones Pass Through Urine?

Affecting millions worldwide, gallstones can cause symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain and complications. Gallbladder removal surgery, or cholecystectomy, involves the surgical extraction of the gallbladder, a small organ located under the liver. The gallbladder’s primary function is to store bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver. Bile helps in the digestion of fats. When the gallbladder becomes problematic due to conditions like gallstones or cholecystitis (inflammation), surgery may be recommended to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.

Gallbladder surgery, also known as cholecystectomy, is a common procedure aimed at alleviating symptoms caused by gallstones or other gallbladder-related conditions. Typically, this surgery becomes necessary when the gallbladder is not functioning properly, leading to discomfort and potential complications. Navigating your health can be challenging, especially with conditions like gallbladder stones.

The procedure can be performed using two main techniques: laparoscopic and open surgery. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the more common method, involving several small incisions and the use of a camera to guide the surgery. This technique generally results in quicker recovery times and less postoperative pain compared to open surgery, which involves a larger incision.

Dr Hrushikesh Vaidya, Medical Director and Chairman, Horizon Group of Hospitals said “Gallstones are seen when bile juice forms tiny crystals and over time grows into stones that are present in the gallbladder. Sometimes, those gallstones will not showcase any symptoms but the common symptoms associated with it are nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, indigestion, chest burn, loss of appetite and jaundice. It may also lead to complications such as Pancreatitis, Jaundice, Sepsis, etc but not many are aware of gallstones and the complications related to them.”

Dr Hrushikesh Vaidya further said “The primary indication for gallbladder surgery is the presence of gallstones. If left untreated, gallstones can lead to more severe issues such as inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis), bile duct obstruction, or pancreatitis. Additionally, other conditions may necessitate gallbladder removal like, gallbladder polyps, gallbladder cancer etc. The decision to undergo gallbladder surgery is typically made after thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional, considering factors such as the severity of symptoms, the risk of complications, and the patient’s overall health.”

Dr Ria Vaidya, CEO, Horizon Group of Hospitals said “Gallbladder surgery becomes necessary when gallstones or other gallbladder conditions cause recurrent symptoms or complications that significantly impact a person’s quality of life. With advancements in surgical techniques, undergoing gallbladder surgery is often a safe and effective way to relieve symptoms and prevent future complications. If you’re experiencing symptoms suggestive of gallbladder issues, consult with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and treatment options.”

Causes of Gallbladder Stone

Gallstones form when bile stored in the gallbladder hardens into stone-like material. Too much cholesterol, bile salts, or bilirubin (bile pigment) can cause gallstones. When gallstones are present in the gallbladder itself, it is called cholelithiasis.

Symptoms of Gallbladder Stone

• pain in your abdomen lasting several hours.
• nausea and vomiting.
• Fever, even a low-grade fever or chills.
• yellowish colour of your skin or whites of your eyes, called jaundice.
• tea-coloured urine and light-coloured

Debunking Popular Myths About Gallbladder Stone Treatment

Gallstones are among the most misunderstood disorders. It is estimated that many people live with gallstones without experiencing any significant symptoms. In some cases, gallstones may cause infections, severe pains, or disorders like pancreatitis. Many ‘natural remedies’ and ‘alternative therapies’ for treating gallstones are frequently available on the internet. However, there is little scientific evidence to support these methods, so it is best to avoid them. There are several misconceptions about the condition and its treatment. Below mentioned are some of the most common myths and misconceptions around gallbladder stones and their treatment. It is best to discuss your symptoms with doctors to get an accurate diagnosis and a personalised treatment plan.

• Myth 1: Gallstones Often Produce Abdominal Pain
• Fact : Gallstones rarely cause symptoms. While gallstones can indeed lead to intense abdominal pain, ranging from sharp to dull and persistent, not everyone with gallstones experiences such discomfort. Only approximately 3% of people experience symptoms of gallstones. Some individuals may have silent gallstones, lacking noticeable symptoms. Abdominal pain may be caused by acid reflux or another medical problem.

• Myth 2 : All Gallbladder Surgeries Are Risky
• Fact : While all operations involve some risk, laparoscopic cholecystectomy (the most common procedure for gallstones) is generally safe and has a low complication rate. Most patients recover rapidly.

• Myth 3 : Removing the Gallbladder Is the Ultimate Solution and Is Required for Everyone With Gallstone
• Fact : While cholecystectomy is a common and very effective treatment for symptomatic gallstones, it is not always necessary. Detecting gallstones during an investigation of unrelated complaints may not necessitate gallbladder removal. The risk of asymptomatic gallstones causing problems in the future is around 2% per year.
• Myth 4 : Stones Will Pass through Urine
• Fact : Gallstones do not pass through urine. These hardened deposits form within the gallbladder or bile ducts due to crystallised substances like cholesterol or bilirubin. Treating gallstones typically requires medical intervention to dissolve or remove them safely.

• Myth 5 : Turning to a Vegetarian Diet Can Help You Avoid Gallstones
• Fact : Dietary adjustments, including adopting a vegetarian or vegan diet, are beneficial for overall health but do not dissolve existing gallstones. If you wish to stop eating meat, it is entirely up to you, and many vegetarians and dieticians will support and urge you to remain vegetarian. While a balanced diet supports gallbladder health, it does not eliminate gallstones once they have formed. No research or study on vegetarians has concluded that not eating any type of meat helps to prevent gallstone formation.

• Myth 6 : Medicines Are Available to Dissolve Gallstones
• Fact : While there are medications that can assist in removing tiny gallstones, there is no fool proof method for dissolving gallstones of any size. Besides, they are not suitable for all types of gallstones and require close medical supervision to monitor their effectiveness and potential side effects. We do not advocate believing any such statements. Using such medication may be more harmful to your body than beneficial.

• Myth 7 : Gall Stones Can Produce Gallbladder Cancer
• Fact : The risk of gallbladder cancer is around 5 times higher in people with a history of gallbladder conditions (mainly gallstones), compared to those who don’t. Gallstones are very common but gallbladder cancer is very rare. Most people with an inflamed gallbladder or gallstones do not get gallbladder cancer. Gallstones are not commonly diagnosed as cancer. However, interestingly, 90% of gall bladder cancers will contain stones. However, it is not advisable to remove the gallbladder to prevent the development of cancer.

• Myth 8 : Removal of Gallbladder Leads to Deficiency of Digestion
• Fact : Gallbladder does not produce bile. The liver produces bile, partially storing it in the gallbladder. The gall bladder solely serves to concentrate bile and transport it to the intestine upon the consumption of fatty food. Even if the gallbladder is removed, the liver will produce and send the bile to the intestine. Therefore, there will be no digestive deficiency even if the gallbladder is removed. Furthermore, if gallstones alone are removed and the gallbladder is left behind, stones will recur in the gallbladder. This is the reason for removing the entire gallbladder.

• Myth 9 : Once Removed, Gallstones Will Not Return  
• Fact : If gallstones become lodged in the bile duct and restrict the passage of bile juice, they are removed using an endoscope. This is not to say that the stones are gone for good and will never return. The stones may re-form, exactly as kidney stones do.  Unless very required, your gastroenterologist would not recommend surgical removal of gallstones.

• Myth 10 : Gallbladder Flush
• Fact : One of the common home remedies that are recommended for gall stones is drinking mix of olive oil, herbs and apple cider vinegar. There is no scientific research indicating the effectiveness of these flushes. They can be potentially harmful causing severe gastrointestinal distress, dehydration and complications such as pancreatitis. Besides, there is also no evidence that milk consumption can reduce or treat gallbladder stones. It is essential to follow the treatment for gallbladder stones as recommended by a doctor.

• Myth 11 : Drinking More Apple Juice For Gallstones
• Fact : While staying hydrated is essential for overall health, there is no conclusive evidence that drinking apple juice or other liquids can dissolve gallstones. Proper hydration supports liver function and bile production, but it is not a cure or preventative measure for gallstones. Some believe pectin in apple juice can soften gallstones. There is no scientific proof to support such a theory. Gallstones may or may not require surgery. The recommendation or treatment plan should come from an experienced doctor.

The Final Takeaway

Gallbladder removal surgery is a common and generally safe procedure that can significantly improve the quality of life for those suffering from gallbladder-related issues. Understanding the facts about the surgery and dispelling common myths can help alleviate concerns and prepare patients for a smoother recovery. Misconceptions about gallbladder stones can lead to ineffective or even harmful treatment choices. It’s crucial to rely on scientifically backed information and consult healthcare professionals for proper diagnosis and treatment. Understanding the facts helps you make informed decisions and manage your health effectively. Remember, when it comes to your well-being, evidence-based medical advice is always the best path forward. Horizon Group of Hospitals is one of the best hospitals in Thane that has state-of-the-art advanced medical facility and experienced team of surgeons for gallbladder surgery and ensures precise and efficient treatment.

If you have any specific questions or concerns, visit Horizon Prime Hospital to get personalized information and guidance. For a completely tailored treatment plan for gallbladder surgery, reach out to our best medical professionals.