Clinical Overview
Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid that form in the gallbladder. While asymptomatic gallstones may simply be monitored, stones that block the bile ducts or common bile duct (CBD) can trigger severe abdominal colic, jaundice, or pancreatitis. Dr. Rajendra Bhati specializes in diagnostic ultrasound evaluation and therapeutic ERCP for ductal stone extraction.
Common Symptoms
- Sudden, rapidly intensifying pain in the upper right abdomen or center chest
- Pain radiating to the right shoulder or back
- Nausea or vomiting following heavy or greasy meals
- Jaundice or fever if bile ducts become blocked and infected (cholangitis)
Causes & Contributing Factors
Diagnostic Evaluation Procedures
- High-resolution abdominal ultrasound
- MRCP (Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography)
- Liver function tests (elevated bilirubin & alkaline phosphatase)
Treatment & Management Protocol
When should I see a gastroenterologist?
Seek assessment if symptoms persist, recur, disturb sleep or affect eating and daily activities. Tests and treatment are selected for your history and examination; not everyone needs every test listed above.
Warning signs: seek urgent care
Vomiting blood, black tarry stools, fainting, new confusion, severe persistent abdominal pain, or fever with jaundice require urgent hospital assessment. Do not wait for an appointment response.
Liver care in Jodhpur · Gastroenterology consultationFrequently asked questions
Does ERCP remove the gallbladder?
ERCP can remove stones from the common bile duct in selected patients. It does not remove the gallbladder; gallbladder surgery may still be advised after assessment.