Hernia Surgery Punjab
Gallbladder surgery — medically known as cholecystectomy — is a procedure to remove the gallbladder, a small pear-shaped organ located just beneath your liver on the right side of your abdomen. The gallbladder stores bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver. When gallstones or inflammation cause repeated pain, infection, or blockage, removing the gallbladder becomes the most effective and permanent solution.
At Bombay Gastro & Cancer Institute (BGCI), Bathinda, Dr. Raman Garg performs laparoscopic cholecystectomy — a keyhole (minimally invasive) surgery that uses just 3–4 tiny cuts instead of one large incision. This means less pain, minimal blood loss, faster recovery, and near-invisible scars. You go home the same day or the next morning.
If you or your family member is experiencing upper abdominal pain after eating fatty foods, nausea, vomiting, bloating, or has been told they have gallstones on ultrasound — this page is for you. Read on to understand everything about gallbladder surgery in Bathinda.
"The gallbladder is not an essential organ. Once removed, your liver continues to produce bile that flows directly to your intestine — and most people live perfectly healthy, normal lives without it."
— Dr. Raman Garg, Surgical Gastroenterologist, Bathinda
Gallbladder surgery is recommended when the gallbladder causes ongoing health problems. The most common reasons include:
Hard deposits of cholesterol or bile salts that form inside the gallbladder, causing severe pain especially after eating fatty meals.
Sudden, severe inflammation of the gallbladder — usually from a gallstone blocking the outlet, causing fever and intense right-sided pain.
Repeated episodes of sharp pain in the upper right abdomen when gallstones temporarily block the bile duct.
Growths on the gallbladder wall — if larger than 1 cm, removal is recommended to prevent cancer risk.
Gallstones that have slipped into the bile duct, causing jaundice, fever, and risk of pancreatitis.
Early-stage gallbladder cancer where complete removal of the gallbladder is the first line of treatment.
Long-term, recurring inflammation of the gallbladder that leads to scarring, poor function, and persistent discomfort.
Gallbladder inflammation without stones — usually in critically ill patients or after major surgery.
Warning: If you have sudden severe pain in the upper right abdomen with fever, yellowing of skin/eyes, or vomiting — seek emergency care immediately. These may be signs of gallbladder infection or bile duct blockage.
Gallbladder problems often start mild and get worse over time. Here are the warning signs that mean you should see a specialist in Bathinda immediately:
Before recommending surgery, Dr. Raman Garg conducts a thorough evaluation to confirm the diagnosis and understand the exact condition of your gallbladder. This typically includes:
The first and most important test. It detects gallstones, gallbladder wall thickening, and fluid around the gallbladder. Over 95% accurate for detecting stones.
Liver Function Tests detect abnormal enzyme levels caused by bile duct blockage or infection. CBC helps identify signs of infection or inflammation.
A non-invasive MRI scan used to see the bile ducts clearly — especially useful to detect stones in the bile duct (choledocholithiasis).
Used in complex cases, acute cholecystitis, or suspected complications to get a detailed 3D view of the gallbladder and surrounding organs.
A nuclear medicine scan to evaluate gallbladder function — used when symptoms exist but ultrasound appears normal.
If stones are found in the bile duct, this endoscopic procedure can remove them before or during gallbladder surgery.
Dr. Raman Garg performs laparoscopic cholecystectomy — the gold standard for gallbladder removal worldwide. Here is exactly how the procedure works at BGCI, Bathinda:
You'll be asked to fast from midnight before surgery. Blood tests, ECG, chest X-ray and anaesthesia fitness are completed. The surgical team explains everything and answers your questions.
You'll be given general anaesthesia — you'll be completely asleep and feel nothing during the surgery. The procedure takes 30–60 minutes.
The surgeon makes 3–4 tiny cuts (each 5–10mm) in your abdomen. A special gas (CO₂) is gently inflated to create space to work inside.
A slim camera (laparoscope) is inserted through one of the cuts. It transmits a magnified, HD video of your internal organs to a monitor — giving the surgeon a clear, precise view.
The cystic duct and cystic artery — the connections to the gallbladder — are carefully identified, clipped with titanium clips, and divided. This prevents any bile leak.
The gallbladder is gently detached from the liver and removed through one of the small incisions, usually inside a retrieval bag.
The tiny incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures and small adhesive strips. You go to the recovery room and are usually ready to go home in 4–6 hours.
Note: In over 95% of cases, Dr. Raman Garg performs laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Open surgery is only used in rare, complex situations like severe infection or unexpected complications.
Recovery from laparoscopic gallbladder surgery at BGCI Bathinda is remarkably quick and smooth. Here's what you can expect:
Wake up comfortably after surgery. Start sipping water and clear fluids. Walk around the ward with nursing support. Go home in 4–6 hours.
Mild soreness near incision sites — controlled with oral pain tablets. Eat light foods: khichdi, dal, curd, fruits. Avoid fried/oily food.
Most patients feel significantly better. No need for pain medication for most people. Walk daily for 15–20 minutes. Short car rides are fine.
Return to desk job or light work. Energy levels normalise. Bathing and light daily activities are fully possible.
Resume normal diet gradually. Light exercise like walking, yoga can begin. Avoid heavy lifting (>5kg) for 4 weeks.
Complete normalcy. No dietary restrictions for most people. Resume sports, gym, and all activities normally.
Start with light, low-fat foods. Avoid fried, spicy, or oily foods for 4–6 weeks. Eat small, frequent meals (5–6 times a day). Stay well hydrated. Most people return to a normal diet within 6–8 weeks.
General anaesthesia ensures you feel nothing during surgery. Post-op pain is minimal and managed with simple tablets.
Day-care surgery — most patients leave the hospital within 6–8 hours of the procedure.
3–4 tiny cuts of just 5–10mm each. Scars fade completely within weeks.
Most people return to desk jobs in 3–5 days. Physical workers return in 2–3 weeks.
Laparoscopic surgery significantly reduces the risk of infection, hernia at incision site, and post-op complications.
BGCI accepts Ayushman Bharat, CGHS, and most insurance plans. Transparent billing, no hidden charges.
One of the most common concerns patients have is: "Will I be able to eat normally after gallbladder removal?" The honest answer is — yes, most people do. Here's what actually happens:
Your liver will continue producing bile as before. Without the gallbladder, bile flows directly and continuously from the liver into the small intestine, instead of being stored and released in bursts. Your body adjusts to this in 4–8 weeks.
Some people experience mild loose stools or bloating in the first few weeks — this is temporary and improves as the body adapts. Following a low-fat diet initially helps significantly.
The vast majority of Dr. Raman Garg's patients report that they feel tremendously better after surgery — free from the recurring pain, nausea, and fear that gallstones had caused for months or years.
Dr. Raman Garg – Gallbladder Specialist, Bathinda
Senior Surgical Gastroenterologist
& Laparoscopic Surgeon, Bathinda
Bombay Gastro & Cancer Institute
Power House Road, Near Street No. 10, Bathinda, Punjab – 151001
+91 82641-60001
Mon–Sat: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
NABH Accredited · Ayushman Bharat Empanelled
Don't let gallstones disrupt your life. Book a consultation with Dr. Raman Garg — Bathinda's most experienced gallbladder surgeon — today.