Question 1

Can a gallstone pass on its own?

Accepted Answer

A small stone may occasionally pass through the bile duct, but this carries a risk of pancreatitis or jaundice. Letting stones “pass” is not a safe treatment strategy.

Question 2

Can gallstones be dissolved with medication?

Accepted Answer

Certain cholesterol stones may respond to medication, but the effect is limited and slow; recurrence is common. Surgical evaluation is the typical approach.

Question 3

Where does gallstone pain radiate?

Accepted Answer

Pain usually starts in the right upper abdomen and may radiate to the back or right shoulder. Onset after fatty meals is characteristic.

Question 4

Can pain after fatty meals indicate gallstones?

Accepted Answer

Yes — this is a classic finding. Recurrent attacks warrant evaluation with an ultrasound.

Question 5

Do asymptomatic gallstones need surgery?

Accepted Answer

Most silent stones are observed. Surgery may be considered in diabetes, haemolytic disorders, large stones, or planned abdominal surgery.

Question 6

Can gallstones cause pancreatitis?

Accepted Answer

Yes — a stone migrating into the bile duct can obstruct the pancreatic duct and cause acute pancreatitis. This is an emergency.

Question 7

Can gallstones cause jaundice?

Accepted Answer

If a stone migrates into the common bile duct and blocks bile flow, jaundice can develop.

Question 8

How many incisions are used in keyhole surgery?

Accepted Answer

Usually 3–4 small incisions (ports). The exact number depends on technique and patient anatomy.

Question 9

How long does the operation take?

Accepted Answer

Most procedures take 45–90 minutes. Adhesions, inflammation or unexpected findings can prolong surgery.

Question 10

How many days in hospital?

Accepted Answer

Uncomplicated cases are usually discharged the same day or the next day.

Question 11

Could the surgery convert to open?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if safety requires it. Conversion to open surgery is a safety decision, not a failure.

Question 12

Will I miss the gallbladder afterwards?

Accepted Answer

The liver continues to produce bile and most patients return to a normal life. Some patients may temporarily be more sensitive to fatty foods.

Question 13

When can I return to work?

Accepted Answer

Desk-based work is usually possible within about a week; heavy physical work is usually deferred for 3–4 weeks.

Question 14

When can I start exercise again?

Accepted Answer

Light walking from day one. Weight lifting and strength training are usually reintroduced after 4–6 weeks with medical clearance.

Question 15

Can cholecystitis be treated with antibiotics alone?

Accepted Answer

An acute attack may settle with antibiotics and supportive care, but recurrence risk is high, so surgical planning is usually recommended.

Question 16

Does cholecystitis recur?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Unless the gallbladder is removed, further attacks are common.

Question 17

Fever and right upper abdominal pain — what should I do?

Accepted Answer

This combination may indicate cholecystitis, cholangitis or pancreatitis. Seek urgent medical care without delay.

Question 18

Does cholecystitis require emergency surgery?

Accepted Answer

Some cases are suitable for early surgery (within 72 hours); others are managed with antibiotics first and elective surgery later. The decision is individual.

Question 19

Can a gallbladder polyp become cancerous?

Accepted Answer

Most polyps are benign. Size, growth rate, age and risk factors guide the assessment of malignant potential.

Question 20

At what size is surgery considered?

Accepted Answer

Surgery is typically considered for polyps ≥10 mm, rapidly growing polyps or high-risk profiles. Decisions are individual.

Question 21

How often should polyps be followed up?

Accepted Answer

Follow-up ultrasounds at 6–12 month intervals are common, based on size and risk.

Question 22

Can polyps shrink with medication?

Accepted Answer

There is no proven medical therapy to shrink polyps. The approach is follow-up or surgery.

Question 23

What is the difference between MRCP and ERCP?

Accepted Answer

MRCP is an imaging method used for diagnosis. ERCP is an endoscopic procedure that provides both diagnosis and interventional treatment.

Question 24

Is ERCP a surgery?

Accepted Answer

Not in the traditional sense — it is an endoscopic procedure. It still requires sedation/anaesthesia and carries its own risks.

Question 25

Should the gallbladder be removed after ERCP?

Accepted Answer

In most patients who still have stones in the gallbladder, cholecystectomy at an appropriate time is recommended after ERCP.

Question 26

Can common bile duct stones recur?

Accepted Answer

Recurrence is possible, especially if the gallbladder has not been removed or underlying risk factors persist.

Question 27

Does jaundice always mean stones?

Accepted Answer

No. Jaundice may also be caused by liver diseases, tumours or other obstructive conditions; further investigations are needed.

Question 28

Is a liver cyst dangerous?

Accepted Answer

Most simple cysts are harmless and observed. Large, painful, complicated or possible hydatid cysts may require treatment.

Question 29

Do liver cysts need surgery?

Accepted Answer

Most asymptomatic simple cysts are followed. Surgery is considered for large, symptomatic, complicated or parasitic cysts.

Question 30

Is hydatid cyst contagious?

Accepted Answer

It does not spread directly between people. It is usually acquired from food or water contaminated by dog/sheep faeces.

Question 31

What happens if a liver mass is found?

Accepted Answer

Imaging (MRI/CT), tumour markers and, if needed, biopsy are used to distinguish benign from malignant lesions. Multidisciplinary review is important.

Question 32

Can fatty liver be treated with surgery?

Accepted Answer

Fatty liver is managed with lifestyle, nutrition and control of comorbidities. Surgery is not the treatment for fatty liver itself.

Question 33

How do out-of-town patients book an appointment?

Accepted Answer

An initial consultation can be arranged via phone or WhatsApp; sharing your existing investigations helps planning.

Question 34

Can existing USG, MRCP, CT and blood tests be shared for review?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Sharing images and laboratory values speeds up preparation.

Question 35

Can WhatsApp be used for emergencies?

Accepted Answer

WhatsApp is for planning and information sharing. For urgent symptoms, please go to the nearest emergency department.

Question 36

When should I go to the emergency department?

Accepted Answer

Severe right upper abdominal pain, fever, jaundice, dark urine, pale stools, persistent vomiting or general deterioration warrant urgent care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gallstones

Laparoscopic Gallbladder Surgery

Cholecystitis (Gallbladder Inflammation)

Gallbladder Polyps

Bile Duct / ERCP

Liver

Patient Process