83-year-old gets relief after doctors remove nearly 2,000 gallstones

Doctors removed nearly 2,000 gallstones from an 83-year-old man in a laparoscopic surgery. The case highlighted the risks of delaying treatment for persistent abdominal pain.

In Short

• Tests showed long-standing inflammation had thickened the gallbladder wall severely
• Stones varied from mustard-seed size to chickpea size, weighing 150-200 grams
• The 90-minute laparoscopic procedure was challenging because of age and stone burden

An 83-year-old man who lived with abdominal pain for nearly six years has finally found relief after doctors removed almost 2,000 tiny gallstones from his gallbladder during a minimally invasive surgery.

The surgery was performed at Yashoda Medicity, where doctors described the case as unusual because of the exceptionally large number of stones packed inside the gallbladder.

The patient, an advocate from Bulandshahar, had been experiencing pain in the upper abdomen that spread to his back, along with discomfort in the chest, for several years.

Initially, he ignored the symptoms, but as the pain became more frequent and severe, he sought medical attention.

Tests revealed that his gallbladder was completely filled with gallstones and had developed a thickened wall due to long-standing inflammation, a condition known as calculous cholecystitis.

The stones ranged in size from tiny mustard seeds to chickpea-sized stones and together weighed around 150 to 200 grams. Doctors estimated that there were nearly 2,000 tiny gallstones, making it a rare finding.

The surgical team removed the gallbladder through a 90-minute laparoscopic, or keyhole, procedure. Despite the patient's advanced age and existing health conditions, including high blood pressure and an electrolyte imbalance, he recovered well. He was able to walk within four hours of surgery and was discharged the following day.

Pradeep K. Dewan, who led the surgery, said cases involving such a large number of gallstones are uncommon, but what concerned the team most was the delay in seeking treatment.

"The patient had silently endured severe pain for several years before seeking medical attention. Any further delay could have led to serious complications such as jaundice, pancreatitis or, in rare cases, an increased risk of gallbladder cancer," he said.

He added that the operation was technically demanding because of both the sheer number of stones and the patient's age, but the minimally invasive approach helped ensure a quicker recovery.

What are gallstones?

Gallstones are hardened deposits that form inside the gallbladder, a small organ located beneath the liver that stores bile, a digestive fluid.

Some people with gallstones do not experience any symptoms. However, when the stones block the flow of bile or cause inflammation, they can trigger sudden pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, pain that radiates to the back or shoulder, nausea, vomiting and indigestion.

Doctors advise people not to ignore persistent or recurring abdominal pain, especially if it occurs after meals.

Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications such as infection, jaundice and pancreatitis.

Laparoscopic surgery is now the standard treatment for symptomatic gallstones. Compared with traditional open surgery, it usually involves smaller cuts, less pain, a shorter hospital stay and a faster recovery, even in many older patients who are otherwise fit for surgery.

- Ends