Gallbladder stones, or gallstones, are hardened deposits that form inside the gallbladder – a small organ beneath the liver that stores bile for digestion. Gallstones can range in size from a grain of sand to a golf ball. Many people have gallstones without knowing, but if a stone blocks a bile duct, it can trigger noticeable symptoms. Common symptoms of gallstones include:
Gallstones are a common cause of digestive discomfort worldwide, and Dubai is no exception. In fact, due to lifestyle factors such as high-fat diets and sedentary habits, a significant number of adults in Dubai experience gallstone issues. (Gallstones tend to affect adults – especially those over 40 and females – though children can occasionally develop them in rare cases.) If left unaddressed, gallstones can lead to severe pain or other health concerns, so early screening and proper management are important. At HealthHub Clinics, our gastroenterology clinic in Dubai provides comprehensive gallstone screening and treatment services to help patients find relief and prevent complications.
Diagnosing gallstones starts with a clinical evaluation. Your doctor will review your symptoms, medical history, and perform a physical exam. The main screening test is an abdominal ultrasound, which can visualize stones in the gallbladder.
In addition to ultrasound, blood tests and advanced imaging studies like an MRI-based scan or a HIDA scan may be used. If a stone is suspected in the common bile duct, an ERCP procedure might be performed to locate and remove the stone.
At HealthHub, we have advanced diagnostic facilities to ensure prompt and accurate diagnosis. Through routine health screenings or targeted testing, we aim to identify gallbladder stones early for an effective treatment plan.
Gallstone treatment and management in Dubai is readily available and typically tailored to the severity of your symptoms and overall health. Not all gallstones require immediate intervention – if gallstones are present but not causing any symptoms (often called “silent” gallstones), doctors may take a conservative approach. This might involve watchful monitoring and lifestyle adjustments to prevent any future episodes. However, if you are experiencing gallstone attacks or other related problems, active treatment will be recommended.
At HealthHub Clinics, our team will create a personalized plan for you. Treatment options range from simple dietary modifications to advanced minimally invasive surgeries. Key approaches include:
Throughout the treatment process, our priority is to relieve your pain and prevent any complications, all while using the least invasive approach suitable for you. We provide comprehensive gallstones management in Dubai, which means from initial pain relief to dietary counseling, surgery if needed, and follow-up care, you will receive continuous support. Our multidisciplinary team (including some of the best gallstone specialists and surgeons in Dubai) works together to ensure you get the optimal outcome with a quick return to normal life.
Gallstones form when bile’s chemical balance is disrupted. Excess cholesterol or bilirubin, or improper gallbladder emptying, can crystallize into stones. Cholesterol stones are common; pigment stones are linked to blood disorders or liver disease. Risk factors include being female, over 40, pregnant, overweight, having a high-fat diet, rapid weight loss, family history, certain medications, and conditions like diabetes. Though rare, children can develop gallstones due to hereditary blood disorders, pediatric obesity, or other health issues.
No. Many people have “silent” gallstones that cause no symptoms and are discovered incidentally. However, if a gallstone blocks the bile duct or gallbladder opening, it can trigger a gallstone attack with sudden, sharp pain in the upper right or center of the abdomen. Pain may spread to the right shoulder or upper back and can last from minutes to hours, often starting after a fatty meal. Nausea or vomiting may also occur. If pain is frequent or severe, medical attention is needed, especially if there is persistent pain, high fever, jaundice, or inability to get comfortable.
Yes, diet can influence gallstone symptoms and development. Fatty meals can trigger gallbladder pain in those with gallstones. Adopting a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help manage symptoms. Avoid fatty, fried, or greasy foods, and try not to skip meals or diet extremes to reduce risks. Diet changes won’t dissolve gallstones but can minimize symptoms. After surgery, a low-fat diet is advised initially, but most can return to a normal diet.
Recovery from laparoscopic gallbladder removal is typically quick. Most patients can walk the same day and go home within 24 hours. Normal activities usually resume within a week, but heavy lifting should be avoided for 2-3 weeks. Mild abdominal soreness is expected initially and improves quickly. Our team will provide pain relief and post-op care instructions. A liquid and light diet is recommended right after surgery, progressing to a regular diet over time. The liver compensates for the gallbladder, maintaining effective digestion. Follow-up appointments will monitor your recovery and provide lifestyle tips. Our team is always available if you have concerns.
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