Gallstones are hardened deposits of bile that form inside the gallbladder, a small organ located beneath the liver that plays a key role in digestion. Gallbladder disease is common in the UAE due to lifestyle factors such as high-fat diets, obesity, rapid weight loss, pregnancy, diabetes, and genetic predisposition. While many gallstones remain asymptomatic, larger stones can block bile ducts, leading to inflammation, infection, and severe pain.

Patients with symptomatic gallstones typically experience sudden, intense pain in the upper right abdomen or center of the abdomen, often radiating to the back or right shoulder. This pain may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, bloating, fever, or jaundice. When gallstones cause inflammation of the gallbladder, the condition is known as acute cholecystitis, which requires urgent medical attention.

Diagnosis is usually confirmed through abdominal ultrasound, supported by blood tests to assess infection or liver involvement. In selected cases, CT scan or MRCP may be required to evaluate bile duct obstruction or complications.

For recurrent or complicated gallbladder disease, the definitive treatment is cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal surgery). At IMH, the preferred approach is laparoscopic cholecystectomy, a minimally invasive procedure performed through small incisions using a camera and precision instruments. This technique offers faster recovery, reduced post-operative pain, minimal scarring, and shorter hospital stay compared to open surgery.

If gallstones are left untreated, serious complications such as gallbladder rupture, bile duct infection (cholangitis), or pancreatitis may occur. Early surgical intervention significantly reduces these risks and improves quality of life. At IMH, patients receive comprehensive pre-operative evaluation, safe surgical care, and structured post-operative follow-up to ensure optimal recovery.