Can gallstones be managed on medicines (without surgery)?
In certain situations, some patients with asymptomatic gallstones can be managed by “wait and watch” policy. Some studies suggest that the patient’s age at diagnosis may be a factor in this decision. The probabilityof symptoms and future surgery at the age of 70 is 15%. Hence the 85% of patients can be managed by an expectant approach.
A drug called UDCA with modest success can also manage some patients. But do not fall prey to many false claims of gallstone dissolutions by various unscientific methods.
Has gallstone surgery become safer?
Yes. Initially when laparoscopy had started for gall bladder, there were reports of more bile duct injuries. However the recent trends show that with improved technique, the surgery has become safer. In good experienced centers, it has almost become a day-care surgery.
However there is a word of caution. One should not think it is safe in all hands and centers. Do some research before handing your precious body to surgery. Most people are unaware of the factors they need to consider
So, how should we choose?
First, look for a center or surgeon with high volume of laparoscopic surgery. This will ensure a low complication rate. Experience counts, you know. Although this is nowadays a safe surgery, complications like bile duct injury may have disastrous lifelong consequences.
Second, do some research on the outcome of patients from these centers. Did they have wound infections? A very rare complication after laparoscopic surgery, but may spell hell for the unfortunate few. The worst part is it is because of poor cleaning technique of laparoscopic instruments employed in some centers, something that may be beyond control of the surgeon. And it takes weeks to months to heal. Ask somebody who has had it.
To summarize, if you do need laparoscopic removal of gall bladder, choose not only on the basis of the cost or proximity of a center to your home, but choose on the basis of safety and comfort also. It will not necessarily come at a higher cost. But you need to know where to look. After all, your body is precious. Hand it over to somebody who thinks so too.
Can this surgery now be done by a new method-Scarless Surgery- instead of conventional 4 holes?
Yes, nowadays there is a new and modern technique in which special instruments can be used to leave no marks in the abdomen. The only wound is in the depth of the navel, which is not visible.
What are the advantages of Scarless Surgery?
The major advantage of Scarless Surgery is cosmesis. The reduced pain and a single day hospital stay are added benefits.
Who can benefit maximally from Scarless surgery?
Anyone who is concerned and conscious of not having the scars in the abdomen can have this surgery. This particularly allows women to wear saris where the scars of laparoscopic surgery may show. This is also extremely beneficial to young unmarried girls and people from the fashion industries that do not want any scars in their belly. People who cannot tolerate pain at all can also benefit from this technique. To see the video, how we do it visit my you tube page…….