Gallstones
Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid (bile) that form in the gallbladder. Cholesterol stones are most common, formed when bile contains too much cholesterol. Gallstones range from the size of a grain of sand to a golf ball. Small stones may be asymptomatic for years; larger stones or those blocking the bile duct cause intense upper abdominal pain (biliary colic), jaundice, or inflammation (cholecystitis). Iswarya Hospital performs laparoscopic cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal) — a day-care procedure with 3 small incisions, returning patients to normal activity within 5–7 days.
⚠️ Common Symptoms
- Sudden, intense pain in the upper right abdomen or below the breastbone (biliary colic)
- Pain lasting 30 minutes to several hours after fatty meals
- Nausea and vomiting during pain episodes
- Jaundice — yellowing of skin and eyes if a stone blocks the bile duct
- Dark urine and pale stools
- Fever and chills if the gallbladder becomes infected (cholecystitis)
🚨 When to See a Doctor
For severe, sudden or rapidly worsening symptoms, do not wait for an appointment callback. Seek emergency care. For a routine concern, our care team can help you choose the appropriate specialist. This page cannot diagnose your symptoms.
🏥 Treatment at Iswarya Hospital
Led by Prof. Dr. G. Manoharan, one of India's most distinguished Surgical Gastroenterologists and Liver Transplant Specialists, specializing in advanced surgeries for gastrointestinal, liver, pancreatic, and biliary disorders.
👨⚕️ Our Gastroenterology Specialists
MBBS, MS (General Surgery), FIAGES, FMAS, FALS, FARIS, FACS (USA)
15+ Years Experience
MBBS, MD (Gen. Med.), DM (Med. Gastro), PDF (Adv. Therapeutic Endoscopy) Consultant Gastroenterologist, Hepatologist & Therapeutic Endoscopist
11+ Years Experience
ℹ️ This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.
Plan your first visit
Not sure which specialist to see? Tell our care team the reason for your visit and we will help you choose.
- Bring previous prescriptions, relevant test reports or scan images, a medication list and photo ID.
- If you plan to use insurance, bring your policy details. OPD, tests and admission benefits depend on your individual plan and approval.
- Your first consultation determines which tests or treatments are needed; not everyone needs every test listed on this page.
Appointments are requests until confirmed. In a medical emergency, call 044 2025 2025 or go to the nearest emergency department.