Let us help you with your gallbladder stone problems

• Symptoms at various stages
• Diagnosis and treatment
• International Medical Insurance Support 
• We are international hospital

1. Silent gallstones: No symptoms but commonly found with ultrasound during a regular health check up
2. Symptomatic gallstones: Indigestion, bloating, gassiness (dyspepsia), abdominal pain above the navel that may include back pain (biliary colic).
3. Gallbladder attack: Fever, prolonged pain, increased heartbeat, jaundice and diarrhoea. Those suffering from these symptoms should visit the hospital as soon as possible.

1. Inflammation of the gallbladder (Cholecystitis): Acute increase in symptoms of abdominal pain, fever, nausea and vomiting, which could lead to infection of the gallbladder. The wall of the gallbladder and right upper abdomen become fragile and are sensitive when pushed or tapped.
2. Pancreatitis: Pain in the abdomen which lasts for a couple of days, and may also extend to the back and other areas.
3. Jaundice: The skin and the whites of the eyes turn yellow. Symptoms result from blockage of the bile duct due to gallstones passing through it.
4. Cholangitis: Fever, colicky pain, jaundice, and shaking resulting from inflammation of the bile ducts.

Patients experiencing any stage are highly recommended to see a specialist to receive treatment as soon as possible, as the symptoms may rapidly increase in a short amount of time with complications following.

• Ultrasound of the abdominal area will be enough to confirm whether or not you have gallstones.
• The common procedure after a diagnosis of gallstones is the removal of the gallbladder to prevent any future complications. Because the surgery causes very little change to the body, doctors often recommend that their patients undergo laparoscopic cholecystectomy (removal of the gallbladder). The size of the surgical incision is very small (0.5-1cm), therefore the recovery and length of stay at the hospital is short (3 days and 2 nights).

• Statistics related to the treatment of gallstones show that taking oral medication is not generally effective due to its inability to break up the stones properly. Moreover, when the taking of such medication is discontinued, there is a risk that new stones will begin to form. Shockwave therapy aimed at breaking up the stones has been found to be effective on those located in the bile ducts, although this treatment is not of use when treating stones located in the gallbladder.

Doctors therefore recommend surgical removal of gallstones as an extremely effective form of treatment, especially the laparoscopic cholecystectomy procedure, which is a form of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) that offers much less pain when compared to open forms of abdominal surgery.

However, in patients who suffer from other complications related to gallstones, including a severely swollen gallbladder or a thick membrane surrounding the organ, surgeons will be unable to identify the nearby organs properly, meaning that open abdominal surgery may be the only viable option available.

• Laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Currently, the laparoscopic cholecystectomy procedure is preferable as it is, both, highly effective and low risk due to the incision made measuring a mere 0.5 cm, meaning that patients can make a speedy recovery, often returning home within 1–2 days after the procedure.

A laparoscopic cholecystectomy involves making three to four tiny incisions, one near the belly button and two to three under the right side of the rib cage, to enable the insertion of the small camera and device used to survey the gallbladder. These instruments are used to cut the gallbladder, put it in a retrieval bag, and removed. The surgeons will then remove the camera and device and finally complete the procedure by stitching the patient’s wounds. Although a laparoscopic cholecystectomy has an almost 95% chance of success, patients who have suffered from acute cholecystitis for over three days, as well as those with underlying health conditions, may have a lower chance with laparoscopic surgery being successful. Doctor will therefore carefully consider each case before deciding on whether to operate.

Thus, if you start to experience symptoms that make you suspect gallstones, you must not ignore them or leave them untreated for a prolonged period, as this could reduce your chances of opting for laparoscopic surgery.

• 3D-4K Laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Patients undergoing gallbladder surgery are required to stay in hospital for two days and are unable to work for approximately one week. However, at Samitivej Hospital, our surgeons offer the most advanced minimally invasive technology, laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Utilizing 3D-4K technology gives a clearer view of fine detail and greater depth perception; providing a more realistic visualization of complex surgical procedures. It also allows zooming in without pixelation, for a magnified view.

This advanced technology requires an incision of about 1 centimeter to conduct the surgery. With the support of high-grade 4K medical monitors, surgeons have the ability to see all the details required to perform their surgery safely and efficiently. Before the commencement of surgery, patients will be administered with general anesthesia to ensure their comfort during theduring the procedure. Surgeons will then delicately separate the gallbladder from the liver and bile ducts in preparation for its removal, subsequently via the initial small incision. By utilizing the latest minimally invasive technology, Samitevej’s patients can undergo surgery, knowing that they’ll be in safe hands and back at work in no time.

Which is called Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy where your gallbladder will be removed to ensure:

• No further recurrence
• Minimal incisions of 3-4, 0.5-1cm small surgical wounds on the abdomen

It only takes 60 – 90 minutes, with recovery time of 3 days/2 nights here at the Hospital. Blue light in the operating room calms the surgeons, meaning possibly shorter surgery times.

• Our specialized team of doctors with International recognitions
• 331 cases of experience during the past 2 years
• Our doctors have had patients from all over the world. Whether or not you bring medical records, we will double check for you through abdominal ultrasound and a preoperative investigatory tests—standard protocol before any surgery.
  

You can now consult with our doctor online via Samitivej Virtual Hospital before coming to the hospital. Click here to arrange VDO call with a doctor (subject to availability).

Samitivej has a team ready to help and provide services for:

• Treatment Plan Consultation with a doctor via online video-call (second opinion)
• Treatment Planning if you have medical records or a price estimate from another hospital
• Cost Planning by our Appraisals Team with price guarantee (only for procedure packages without complications)
• Check Initial Coverage Eligibility with Thai and international insurance companies (only for insurance companies in contract with the Hospital)