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Gallbladder Cancer Surgery in Dhakuria

Gallbladder Cancer Surgery

Gallbladder Cancer Surgery in Dhakuria, West Bengal

The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ that lies on the right side of the abdomen, beneath the liver. It is a part of one’s digestive system and plays a significant role in the storage of bile, which helps in the breakage or digestion of fats. Gallbladder cancers are rare and uncommon and are characterised by the presence of abnormal cell growth in the organ. The prognosis of gall bladder treatments is high if they are found early. However, most gallbladder cancers are found at the late stage, when symptoms manifest, or as an incidental finding when the organ is removed for other reasons. 

Although Surgery is the most preferred option for gallbladder cancer, not all cases are feasible, especially if the cancer is unresectable (the cancer has advanced or has spread too far). In unresectable situations, Palliative Surgery is the appropriate intervention employed by specialists to prevent or relieve symptoms, ensuring the patient's quality of life is maintained as much as possible.

At Manipal Hospitals, Dhakuria, Kolkata, the Department of GI Surgery strives to provide comprehensive and compassionate care, employing the latest techniques and technologies to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients with gallbladder cancer, making us the best Gallbladder Cancer Hospital in Dhakuria Kolkata. 

Experience world-class healthcare at Manipal Hospitals. Our expert team of doctors and state-of-the-art facilities ensure personalized and advanced treatments. Take the first step towards wellness. Book an appointment today.

FAQ's

The exact reason why gallbladder cancer occurs is still unknown. However, certain risk factors can lead to mutations in DNA, instructing cells of the gall bladder to multiply abnormally. Possible risk factors that can make an individual susceptible to gallbladder cancer include:

  • Gallstones or previous diagnosis of the same

  • Infections like Salmonella typhi infection, which causes typhoid

  • Presence of polyps in gallbladder

  • Chronic bile duct inflammation

  • Presence of cysts in common bile duct

  • Obesity

  • Inflammation in gallbladder

Moreover, the risk of gallbladder cancer is higher in women as well as in those over the age of 65. 
 

Symptoms of gallbladder usually include the following:

  • Jaundice, characterised by yellowish skin or on the whites of the eyes 

  • Unexplained weight loss

  • Pain in the upper abdomen

  • Bloating

  • Fever

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Presence of lumps in the abdomen

The symptoms of gallbladder cancer are very similar to those of conditions like gallstones or bile duct obstruction. Our specialists will carefully evaluate your symptoms and medical history to ensure an accurate diagnosis and provide the most appropriate treatment plan.


 

In case our specialists suspect that your symptoms may indicate gallbladder cancer, you may be recommended to undergo any one or more of the diagnostic or screening procedures mentioned below:

  • Blood tests, including liver function test (LFT), Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) assay and CA 19-9 levels

  • Non-invasive and minimally invasive diagnostic procedures, which include abdominal ultrasound, computer tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC), endoscopic ultrasound

  • Diagnostic surgical interventions, which encompass procedures like Biopsy and Laparoscopy 

Specialists decide treatment options based on the stage, severity of the condition, and other individual factors such as general health and patient preferences. After staging based on the diagnostic procedures undergone by the patient, a personalised treatment plan is developed, which may include Surgery, Chemotherapy, Radiation Therapy or a combination of these. 

In the early stages, Surgery with curative intent is the preferred option, followed by Chemo or Radiation Therapy to kill any minute cancer cells and reduce the chances of recurrence. However, in advanced, unresectable, metastatic, or recurrent cases, Palliative Surgery, Chemotherapy or Radiation Therapy are employed to relieve symptoms. In some palliative cases, specialists may perform Chemo and Radiation Therapy after Surgery or may carry out just Radiation Therapy with or without Chemotherapy. 
 

Surgery is a first choice for most specialists and is performed based on whether the cancer is at an early stage, localised or locally advanced, unresectable, metastatic, or recurrent, and the patient's condition. Some surgical procedures employed by specialists include:

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy, which involves the removal of the gallbladder. Depending on the stage of the disease, specialists may perform a Simple Cholecystectomy, which removes only the gallbladder, or an Extended Cholecystectomy, which includes the removal of lymph nodes or part of the liver. In some cases, the pancreas, duodenum, and other organs where the cancer can spread will be removed based on your general condition. 

The following procedures are done in palliative cases to relieve symptoms and enhance the quality of life in patients. The procedures aim to relieve bile duct obstructions by bypassing the blockage, draining the bile externally into the bag, or internally through the small intestine. 

  • Biliary Bypass procedure

  • Endoscopic Stent Replacement

  • Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Drainage 

Gallbladder cancer is a disease of interest for many oncologists and researchers due to its complexity and poor prognosis. Clinical trials for gall bladder cancer are ongoing and usually include Targeted Therapy, Immunotherapy, or Radiosensitizers. Our specialists will review your case thoroughly and discuss whether these advanced treatments are suitable for you based on your specific condition and medical history. Rest assured, we at Manipal Hospitals, Dhakuria, are committed to providing the most effective and personalised care possible.
 

Some complications that can occur in Gallbladder Surgery include:

  • Bleeding

  • Thrombosis or blood clots

  • Infections

  • Allergic reactions caused by anaesthesia

  • Pneumonia

  • Bile leakage in the abdomen

  • Liver failure

  • Digestion problems

The risks are generally based on the amount of tissue removed and the general condition of the patient. Our specialists will address them if any arise during or after the procedure and assist you in ensuring a smooth recovery process.