Reviewed by Shirdi Sai Hospital Team
Gallbladder stones can cause repeated pain in the upper abdomen, especially in the right upper side or central upper abdomen. When stones lead to chronic gallbladder inflammation, the condition is called chronic calculus cholecystitis. In such cases, medicines may temporarily reduce symptoms, but surgery may be advised when pain keeps returning or when the gallbladder is affected by stones and inflammation.
This case study explains how an adult patient with persistent upper abdominal pain was evaluated and treated at Shirdi Sai Hospital, New BEL Road. The case is shared for awareness only. Patient identity and personal details have been fully removed for privacy.
Case Summary
An adult patient came to Shirdi Sai Hospital with pain in the upper abdomen for around 20 days. The pain was mainly in the right upper abdominal region and the central upper abdominal region. The patient had already taken treatment locally and was diagnosed with gallbladder stones. Surgical management had been advised before admission.
After evaluation by the General Surgery team at Shirdi Sai Hospital, the patient was diagnosed with chronic calculus cholecystitis. The care team planned surgical treatment based on symptoms, diagnosis, and clinical condition.
The patient underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy along with laparoscopic adhesiolysis. The post-operative course was stable, oral intake was gradually restarted, pain reduced, and the patient was discharged with follow-up advice.
What Was the Patient’s Main Problem?
The main complaint was persistent upper abdominal pain. The pain was present for around 20 days and was located mainly in:
- right upper abdomen
- upper central abdomen
- region commonly associated with gallbladder-related pain
The patient had already been diagnosed with gallbladder stones before reaching Shirdi Sai Hospital. Since symptoms were persistent and surgical treatment had been advised, the patient was admitted for further management.
Upper abdominal pain should not be ignored when it is persistent, recurrent, or associated with vomiting, fever, jaundice, loss of appetite, or worsening discomfort after food.
Final Diagnosis
The final diagnosis was:
Chronic Calculus Cholecystitis
This means the gallbladder had stones and long-standing inflammation. The word “calculus” refers to stones, and “cholecystitis” refers to inflammation of the gallbladder.
The patient also had existing medical conditions that were already under treatment. These were considered during hospital care and discharge planning.
What Is Chronic Calculus Cholecystitis?
Chronic calculus cholecystitis is a condition where gallstones repeatedly irritate or block the gallbladder, leading to ongoing inflammation. It may cause repeated episodes of abdominal pain, indigestion-like discomfort, nausea, heaviness after meals, or pain in the right upper abdomen.
Common symptoms may include:
- pain in the right upper abdomen
- pain in the upper central abdomen
- nausea or vomiting
- bloating after meals
- heaviness after oily food
- repeated indigestion-like symptoms
- pain that returns after treatment
- discomfort that may radiate to the back or shoulder in some cases
Not every gallstone causes symptoms. But when stones cause repeated pain or inflammation, medical evaluation is important.
Why Was Surgery Considered in This Case?
Surgery was considered because the patient had symptomatic gallbladder stone disease with chronic inflammation. The pain had continued for around 20 days, prior treatment had already been taken, and surgical management had been advised before admission.
The decision for surgery was not based on pain alone. It was based on the diagnosis, symptoms, clinical evaluation, and the need to manage the diseased gallbladder.
At Shirdi Sai Hospital, gallbladder stone cases are evaluated through the General Surgery department. Patients with symptoms such as recurrent right upper abdominal pain, vomiting, gallstone diagnosis, or gallbladder inflammation can consult the surgical team through the General Surgery department.
Treatment Approach at Shirdi Sai Hospital
The patient was admitted under the care of the General Surgery team. The treatment plan included:
- clinical evaluation
- review of reports
- supportive medications
- antibiotics and antacids as required
- consent before surgery
- surgical management
- post-operative monitoring
- diet progression
- discharge planning and follow-up advice
The patient underwent:
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
This is a minimally invasive surgery to remove the gallbladder.
Laparoscopic Adhesiolysis
This is done to release internal adhesions when they are present and need to be managed during surgery.
The procedure was completed under anesthesia, and the patient was monitored after surgery.
What Is Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy?
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a minimally invasive surgery used to remove the gallbladder. Instead of a large open incision, the procedure is performed using small openings and specialized instruments.
This approach may be preferred in suitable patients because it generally allows:
- smaller incisions
- less wound discomfort compared with open surgery in many cases
- earlier movement after surgery
- shorter hospital stay in uncomplicated cases
- faster return to routine activities depending on recovery
However, not every patient is automatically suitable for laparoscopic surgery. The surgeon decides based on the patient’s condition, inflammation, previous surgery history, anatomy, safety, and operative findings.
Why Adhesiolysis Was Done
The patient also underwent laparoscopic adhesiolysis. Adhesions are bands of tissue that may form inside the abdomen, often after previous surgery, inflammation, or other abdominal conditions.
Adhesiolysis means releasing these adhesions when they interfere with surgical access or safe movement inside the abdomen.
In this case, adhesiolysis was performed along with gallbladder surgery as part of the operative plan.
Hospital Course and Recovery
After surgery, the patient was monitored in the hospital. The operative and post-operative course was documented as stable.
The recovery included:
- monitoring of vitals
- post-operative medicines
- gradual oral intake
- liquids followed by soft diet
- mobilization
- wound dressing care
- pain control
- discharge after clinical stability
The patient’s pain gradually reduced. Dressing was checked, and there was no soakage noted at the time of discharge. The patient was discharged in a hemodynamically stable condition.
Diet Advice After Gallbladder Surgery
The discharge advice included a soft bland diet and plenty of fluids. This is commonly advised after abdominal surgery so the digestive system can recover gradually.
A patient recovering after gallbladder surgery may be advised to follow:
- soft food initially
- light home-cooked meals
- adequate fluids
- smaller meals
- avoidance of heavy oily food during early recovery
- gradual return to regular diet as advised
- continuation of regular medicines for existing health conditions
Diet should always follow the surgeon’s discharge advice because every patient’s recovery and medical condition can differ.
Warning Signs After Gallbladder Surgery
Patients should not ignore symptoms after discharge. The discharge advice specifically mentioned seeking care if there is severe pain, pus, or discharge from the operated site.
Important warning signs include:
- severe abdominal pain
- fever
- vomiting
- increasing swelling at wound site
- redness around wound
- pus discharge
- bleeding from wound
- foul smell from dressing
- yellowing of eyes or skin
- inability to eat or drink
- worsening weakness
If any of these symptoms appear, the patient should contact the hospital or visit for review.
What This Case Teaches Patients About Gallbladder Stones
This case highlights an important point: gallbladder stone pain should not be ignored when it is persistent or recurrent.
Many patients mistake gallbladder pain for acidity, gas, or indigestion. This can delay diagnosis. Pain in the right upper abdomen or upper central abdomen, especially when it keeps returning, should be evaluated.
This case also shows why proper surgical assessment matters. The patient had chronic calculus cholecystitis and underwent planned laparoscopic treatment after evaluation. The post-operative recovery was stable, and discharge was given with diet, medicine, and follow-up advice.
Gallbladder Pain vs Acidity: Why Patients Get Confused
Gallbladder pain and acidity can both cause upper abdominal discomfort. This is why patients often delay medical care.
| Symptom Pattern | More Suggestive of Acidity | More Suggestive of Gallbladder Stone Pain |
|---|---|---|
| Burning sensation in chest | Common | Less typical |
| Sour belching | Common | Less typical |
| Right upper abdominal pain | Less typical | Common |
| Pain after oily food | Can happen | Common in many patients |
| Nausea or vomiting | Can happen | Can happen |
| Repeated upper abdominal pain | Needs evaluation | Needs evaluation |
| Pain lasting for hours | Needs evaluation | More concerning |
| Fever or jaundice | Not typical | Needs urgent care |
This table is only for awareness. A doctor should evaluate persistent symptoms because ulcers, pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, liver issues, acidity, and other conditions can overlap.
When Should You Consult a Surgeon for Gallbladder Stones?
Consult a general surgeon if you have:
- gallstones detected on scan
- repeated right upper abdominal pain
- pain after oily or heavy food
- nausea or vomiting with abdominal pain
- upper abdominal pain lasting for hours
- fever with abdominal pain
- yellowing of eyes or skin
- dark urine or pale stools
- pain that keeps coming back despite medicines
- gallbladder inflammation reported on scan
If gallbladder stones are silent and causing no symptoms, treatment may not always be required immediately. But symptomatic gallstones need proper medical guidance.
Why Patients Choose Shirdi Sai Hospital for Gallbladder Surgery
At Shirdi Sai Hospital, New BEL Road, gallbladder stone symptoms are evaluated through the General Surgery department. The focus is on understanding the patient’s symptoms, reviewing reports, assessing medical conditions, and planning treatment based on clinical need.
Patients may choose Shirdi Sai Hospital because:
- General Surgery care is available on New BEL Road
- patients are assessed before treatment planning
- laparoscopic surgical options are considered where suitable
- post-operative monitoring and discharge guidance are provided
- patients with existing medical conditions can be evaluated in a multispeciality hospital setting
- the hospital is accessible for patients from Devasandra, Mathikere, RMV 2nd Stage, Sanjaynagar, Hebbal, and nearby areas
For surgical evaluation, patients can visit the General Surgery Department of Shirdi Sai Hospital
Patient Privacy Note
This case study has been written with patient identity removed. Personal identifiers such as name, registration number, address, and exact admission details have not been included. The purpose of this case study is patient education and awareness.
Treatment decisions vary from patient to patient. A similar diagnosis does not mean every patient will need the same procedure, hospital stay, medicines, or recovery plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is chronic calculus cholecystitis?
Chronic calculus cholecystitis means long-standing inflammation of the gallbladder due to gallstones. It can cause repeated upper abdominal pain, nausea, bloating, or discomfort after meals.
When do gallbladder stones need surgery?
Gallbladder stones may need surgery when they cause repeated pain, gallbladder inflammation, infection, blockage, or complications. A general surgeon decides based on symptoms, scan findings, and patient health.
What surgery is done for gallbladder stones?
The common surgery for symptomatic gallbladder stones is cholecystectomy, which means removal of the gallbladder. It is often performed laparoscopically when suitable.
Can gallbladder stones be treated with medicines?
Some silent stones may not need immediate treatment, but symptomatic gallstones often require surgical evaluation. Medicines may temporarily reduce symptoms but may not solve repeated gallbladder attacks.
Is laparoscopic gallbladder surgery safe?
Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is commonly performed, but suitability depends on the patient’s condition, inflammation, anatomy, medical history, and surgeon assessment. Like all surgeries, it has possible risks.
What should I eat after gallbladder surgery?
Patients are often advised soft, light, bland food and plenty of fluids initially. Diet should be gradually advanced as advised by the surgeon.
When should I return to hospital after gallbladder surgery?
Return to hospital if there is severe pain, fever, pus discharge, wound redness, vomiting, jaundice, bleeding, or worsening weakness after discharge.
Conclusion
This case shows how persistent upper abdominal pain caused by chronic calculus cholecystitis was managed with laparoscopic gallbladder surgery at Shirdi Sai Hospital, New BEL Road. The patient was evaluated, treated surgically, monitored after the procedure, gradually started on oral intake, mobilized, and discharged in stable condition with follow-up advice.
Gallbladder stone symptoms should not be ignored when pain is repeated, persistent, or associated with vomiting, fever, jaundice, or worsening discomfort. Early consultation helps patients understand whether observation, medicines, further tests, or surgery is appropriate.
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