Noida: Gallstones often develop silently without noticeable symptoms. However, in some cases, they may cause abdominal pain and vomiting, which people often dismiss by taking painkillers. A 66-year-old woman from Delhi was diagnosed with an extremely rare case of an enlarged gallbladder stone measuring a striking 8.5 x 5.5 x 3.5 cm (88mm). The case presented unique surgical and medical challenges, yet the expert team at MASSH MANAS Hospital successfully managed and treated the condition, ensuring a positive outcome for the patient from Kondli, Delhi.
Gallbladder enlargement of this magnitude due to a stone is an exceptionally rare occurrence. The organ, which typically measures around 7 to 10 cm in length and 3 to 4 cm in width, was found to be significantly larger in this patient, raising concerns about potential complications such as severe inflammation, infection and even rupture.
Five years ago, the patient complained of experiencing episodes of abdominal pain and vomiting. Over time, the pain became intermittent and mild. Instead of consulting a doctor, the patient relied on painkillers, which only worsened her condition. As the problem escalated, she finally sought medical attention. Tests revealed chronic cholecystitis and cholelithiasis, with a massive gallstone resembling the size of a small cucumber.
Typically, gallstones range from 5-15 mm, but in this case, an ultrasound detected an unusually large 88 mm stone. Dr. Adarsh Kumar Chauhan, Head of Laparoscopy, GI & General Surgery at MASSH MANAS Hospital, explained that prolonged neglect of symptoms had caused damage to the gallbladder lining, making it adhere to the duodenum (small intestine) and stomach wall. After conducting a thorough assessment, Dr. Chauhan and the team successfully performed a laparoscopic cholecystectomy to remove the fragile gallbladder along with the massive gallstone.
The procedure performed for this case was a minimally invasive laparoscopic cholecystectomy which is a cutting-edge technique that allows for removal of the gallbladder with minimal incisions in the body. Compared to open surgery, laparoscopic procedures carry lower risks and ensure fast recovery for patients. This patient recovered well within a day, experiencing significant relief. She was discharged in a stable condition and was able to resume her daily activities with newfound comfort and health.
Dr. Adarsh Kumar Chauhan, Head of Laparoscopic GI & General Surgery at MASSH MANAS Hospital, said, “Many patients ignore recurring abdominal pain, assuming it to be temporary discomfort. However, prolonged neglect can lead to severe complications, as seen in this case. Early diagnosis and timely surgical intervention are crucial in preventing life-threatening conditions associated with gallstones.”
Dr. Adarsh further added, “Untreated gallstones can lead to severe complications such as gallbladder cancer or fistula formation. This condition is often associated with the ‘Four Fs’ – Fertile (of reproductive age), Forty (over 40 years old), Fatty (obesity), and Female.”
Information gathered from research also suggests that after the age of 40, the risk of gallstones increases 4-10 times, affecting 16.6% of overweight women in their reproductive years.
Following the medical feat, Mr. Hanish Bansal, Executive Director of MASSH Group of Hospitals stated, “At MASSH MANAS Hospital, we are committed to providing advanced surgical care with a patient-centric approach. Successfully managing such a rare and complex case reflects our dedication to excellence in healthcare. This achievement underscores our expertise in minimally invasive surgery and our continuous efforts to enhance patient outcomes.”