Gallstones & Gallbladder Removal
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in Lucknow

Gallstones are common and often cause no trouble, but they can lead to attacks of pain, infection, jaundice or pancreatitis. When they cause symptoms, the usual treatment is keyhole removal of the gallbladder (laparoscopic cholecystectomy). At Charak Hospital, Hardoi Road, Dubagga, GI and laparoscopic surgeons treat gallstones, including emergencies.

NABH-accredited hospital GI & laparoscopic surgeons Keyhole surgery 24×7 emergency surgery

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About gallstones

Gallstones and their treatment

The gallbladder stores bile, which helps digest fat. Stones can form in it and block its outlet, causing pain after meals, infection (cholecystitis), or block the bile duct, causing jaundice or pancreatitis. Medicines do not reliably dissolve gallstones; removing the gallbladder by keyhole surgery is safe for most people, and you can live normally without it.

  • Ultrasound to confirm stones
  • Keyhole (laparoscopic) gallbladder removal for most patients
  • Treatment of bile duct stones when present
  • Emergency care for infection, jaundice or pancreatitis
  • Usually 1 to 2 days in hospital

Ultrasound

The main test for gallstones.

Keyhole surgery

Small cuts and quick recovery.

Bile duct stones

Treated by ERCP or surgery.

Normal diet

Most people eat normally after recovery.

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Symptoms

Symptoms of gallstones

See a doctor if you have:

Pain in the upper right abdomen

Often after fatty meals; may spread to the back or shoulder.

Nausea or vomiting

With the pain.

Fever with pain

Possible infection — urgent.

Yellow eyes or skin

Jaundice from a blocked bile duct — urgent.

Indigestion and bloating

After meals.

Severe pain with fever or jaundice needs emergency care. Call 0522-666-4444. Call 0522-666-4444.

Tests

Tests for gallstones

Tests confirm stones and check for complications.

Ultrasound

Shows stones and gallbladder wall.

Liver function tests

Check for bile duct blockage.

Amylase / lipase

For pancreatitis.

MRCP

If bile duct stones are suspected.

Fitness check

Before surgery.

Do I need surgery?

Tap an option.

Surgery

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Here is what usually happens.

Preparing

Blood tests and a fitness check are done.

Ultrasound and blood testsAnaesthesia reviewFasting

Bring

  • Ultrasound report
  • List of medicines
  • A family member

Ask us about

  • Keyhole or open
  • Bile duct stones
  • Costs
Your journey

From consultation to recovery

Step 1

Consultation

Symptoms reviewed.

Step 2

Ultrasound

Confirms stones.

Step 3

Plan & estimate

Surgery and costs.

Step 4

Surgery

Keyhole gallbladder removal.

Step 5

Home

In 1 to 2 days.

Step 6

Follow-up

Wound and report.

Myths & facts

Common beliefs about gallstones

Tap a card to see the fact.

Myth

“Medicines will dissolve my gallstones.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Medicines rarely work and stones often return. Surgery is the usual treatment for symptoms.

Myth

“Only the stones should be removed, not the gallbladder.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Removing stones alone leads to new stones. The gallbladder is removed.

Myth

“I cannot eat normally without a gallbladder.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Most people eat normally after recovery.

Our doctors

Meet our surgeons

Dr. (Prof.) Ashok Kumar, Senior Consultant, Surgical Gastroenterology, Charak Hospital Lucknow
Senior Consultant, Surgical Gastroenterology

Dr. (Prof.) Ashok Kumar

MBBS, MS, M.Ch (Surgical Gastroenterology), FRCS, FACS

Colorectal and pelvic floor surgery, HPB and pancreatic surgery, and GI cancer surgery. OPD: Monday to Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm.

Dr. Manish Sharma, Surgical Gastroenterologist, Charak Hospital Lucknow
Surgical Gastroenterologist

Dr. Manish Sharma

MBBS, MS (General Surgery), DNB (Surgical Gastroenterology)

Laparoscopic GI surgery, gallbladder and bile duct surgery, hernia and proctology. OPD: Monday to Saturday, 9 am – 5 pm.

Dr. Praveen Sharma, General & Laparoscopic Surgeon, Charak Hospital Lucknow
General & Laparoscopic Surgeon

Dr. Praveen Sharma

MBBS, DNB (General Surgery), advanced training in laparoscopic surgery

Gallbladder, hernia, appendix and laparoscopic surgery. OPD: Monday to Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm.

Practical help

Preparing, costs & insurance

A little preparation helps us plan your treatment.

What to bring to your visit

Tick off as you pack:

  • Ultrasound report
  • Blood reports
  • A list of medicines
  • Insurance card, Ayushman card or employer letter

Costs & insurance

Costs depend on whether surgery is planned or emergency, any bile duct procedures and the length of stay. Ask for a written estimate.

  • ✓Written estimate— ask for one before planned procedures or admission.
  • ✓Health insurance & TPA— cashless treatment for admissions under tie-up insurers; outpatient visits depend on your policy.
  • ✓Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) accepted for eligible admissions.
  • ✓Corporate & PSU panels— ask whether your employer has a tie-up with Charak Hospital.

*Coverage depends on your policy and the treatment. Our insurance desk can check this for you.

Call 0522-666-4444
FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Can I live without a gallbladder?

Yes. Most people live normally without it.

Is laparoscopic surgery safe?

It is a common, established operation. Risks include bleeding, infection, bile leak and bile duct injury; your surgeon will explain your own risk.

How long will I stay in hospital?

Usually 1 to 2 days.

What should I eat after surgery?

A normal, balanced diet; reduce oily food for the first few weeks.

Do stones without pain need surgery?

Often not. Your surgeon will advise.

Is it covered by insurance?

Most health insurance policies and Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY cover this treatment for eligible patients. Our insurance desk can check your cover.

How do I book a consultation?

Call 0522-666-4444 or use the form on this page.

Glossary

Words you may hear

CholecystectomyRemoval of the gallbladder.
CholecystitisInflammation of the gallbladder.
MRCPAn MRI scan of the bile ducts.
ERCPAn endoscopic procedure to remove bile duct stones.
JaundiceYellowing of eyes and skin.

No matching term. Please ask your doctor at your next visit.

Related pages

Related departments and guides

Talk to our specialists

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Your details are used only to contact you about your appointment.

Medical information disclaimer: This page provides general health information for patients and families. It is not a substitute for a consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified doctor. Treatment decisions depend on each patient's individual condition. In an emergency, call 0522-666-4444 or go to the nearest emergency department.

About this page: Prepared by the Charak Hospital web team with the help of AI writing tools, using information from the Department of Surgical Gastroenterology & Hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) Surgery, Charak Hospital & Research Centre ·  Last updated: October 2026

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