Over 1000 Stones Successfully Removed from 30-Year-Old Woman’s Gallbladder in Pune
Pune, 18th August 2023: Dr. Shashank Shah, a renowned laparoscopic and bariatric surgeon at LaparoObeso Centre, performed a groundbreaking 20-minute laparoscopic cholecystectomy procedure with only three incisions to alleviate abdominal pain in a 30-year-old woman. The surgery involved the extraction of more than 1000 stones from her gallbladder.
The patient, referred to as Kavita Kharat (name changed)*, hails from Pune and endured sudden disruptions to her daily life when she began experiencing intense abdominal pain during her pregnancy. A comprehensive evaluation revealed the presence of gallstones that were significantly impeding the normal functioning of her organs. Due to her pregnancy and impending delivery, the gallbladder removal surgery had to be postponed. Subsequently, she was directed to seek treatment from Dr. Shashank Shah for further medical intervention.
Dr. Shashank Shah, a distinguished expert in laparoscopic and bariatric procedures at LaparoObeso Centre, explained, “Regrettably, the patient was grappling with excruciating abdominal pain stemming from gallstones that were severely obstructing the outlet of her gallbladder, specifically the cystic duct. The accumulation of stones caused substantial discomfort, distension, and agony, making her dailyroutine a struggle. Following thorough counseling, and considering her responsibilities as a nursing mother of an infant just a few months old, we decided to proceed with a day-care surgery – a laparoscopic cholecystectomy.”
He continued, “After comprehensive assessments, the patient underwent a laparoscopic cholecystectomy through three minimal incisions, completing the procedure within 20 minutes. Remarkably, she experienced immediate relief from pain and was discharged within 20 hours, allowing her to continue breastfeeding her baby. The stones removed from her gallbladder were minute, ranging from 1 to 2 mm in size and exhibiting a greenish-yellow hue, characteristic of cholesterol stones. The patient’s recovery was swift, enabling her to resume her daily activities painlessly.”
Gallstones, hardened deposits of bile, can form within the gallbladder cavity and vary in size and quantity. Common symptoms include non-specific discomfort, such as acidity, bloating after meals (especially high-fat and spicy foods), and upper abdominal discomfort. Factors contributing to gallstone development include high cholesterol levels, a fatty diet, hereditary factors, obesity, diabetes, sedentary lifestyles, hormonal fluctuations, and obesity. Notably, modern dietary habits have led to an increased incidence of gallstones, now affecting up to 20% of the Indian population.
Timely intervention is critical for patients facing this condition. “Gallstones can trigger severe pain if they obstruct the bile duct’s passage. In cases where the main bile duct is blocked, it can lead to jaundice. Additionally, if a stone lodges in the gallbladder’s neck or opening, it can lead to distension or even rupture, a condition known as gallbladder perforation.
Moreover, complications such as pancreatitis may arise if a stone obstructs the duct’s connection to the pancreas. The inflammation caused by gallstones can have serious health implications if left untreated. Any vague symptoms in the upper abdomen should prompt a sonography investigation, particularly in diabetic patients who may remain asymptomatic due to diabetes,” emphasized Dr. Shashank Shah.
Kavita Kharat (name changed) shared her astonishment, stating, “The revelation that over 1000 stones were extracted from my gallbladder was utterly shocking. I had never encountered anything of this magnitude before. Though I navigated through a challenging and uncertain period, Dr. Shashank Shah and his team emerged as beacons of hope, ultimately saving my life.”
