Gallstones treatment in Ichilov

The gallbladder is a small organ located beneath the liver in the upper right part of the abdomen. It serves as a reservoir for bile, which is continuously produced by the liver and is essential for fat digestion. Over the course of a day, the liver produces a significant amount of bile, while the gallbladder concentrates it and releases it into the intestine during meals.

Gallstones form when the balance of bile components is disrupted. An excess of cholesterol or bilirubin, or a deficiency of bile acids, leads to crystallization of dissolved substances. Over time, these crystals grow and form stones. They may be single or multiple, microscopic or relatively large.

Most patients develop cholesterol gallstones, which are usually light in color. Pigment stones containing bilirubin are more commonly associated with liver or blood disorders.

Gallstone formation is usually associated with several factors rather than a single cause.

The most significant risk factors include:

• disturbances in bile composition and cholesterol metabolism;
• reduced gallbladder motility and incomplete emptying;
• excess body weight and genetic predisposition;
• dietary habits with a high intake of fatty and refined foods;
• hormonal changes and concomitant medical conditions.

The presence of risk factors does not always lead to disease but significantly increases its likelihood.

In many cases, gallbladder stones do not cause discomfort and do not require immediate treatment. Such patients are monitored by a physician. Problems arise when a stone obstructs the bile ducts and disrupts bile flow.

A typical symptom is episodic pain in the right upper abdomen, which may radiate to the back, shoulder, or chest. Nausea, vomiting, abdominal bloating, and a bitter taste in the mouth may also occur. The intervals between attacks can vary widely – from weeks to several years.

Without treatment, complications may develop, including inflammation of the gallbladder, jaundice, damage to the bile ducts, and pancreatitis. In such cases, medical intervention becomes essential.

The first step in evaluation is abdominal ultrasound examination. This method allows detection of most gallstones, assessment of gallbladder size, and identification of inflammatory changes. If the clinical picture is unclear or bile duct stones are suspected, more advanced diagnostic techniques are used:

• endoscopic ultrasound (EUS);
• magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and MR cholangiography;
• endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).

In Israel, these diagnostic methods are widely used in specialized gastroenterology departments. At the Tel Aviv Sourasky medical center (Ichilov), diagnosis and treatment of biliary system disorders are carried out at one of the largest gastroenterology and hepatology departments in the country. The department is headed by Professor Oren Shibolet, a recognized expert in liver and digestive system diseases.

Treatment strategy is selected individually and depends on symptoms, stone location, and the patient’s overall condition. If gallstones do not cause symptoms, dynamic observation and lifestyle modification may be recommended.

When symptoms are present, surgical treatment is considered the main approach. The most common procedure is laparoscopic gallbladder surgery for gallstones in Israel. This minimally invasive operation allows for rapid recovery and a quick return to normal daily activities. Gallbladder removal prevents recurrent stone formation.

In cases where stones are located in the bile ducts or surgery carries a high risk, endoscopic techniques are used. ERCP makes it possible to restore bile duct patency and perform gallbladder stone removal in Israel without open surgery. This approach is also used for gallstone removal in Israel when complications are present.

Gallstone disease requires a balanced and professional approach. Self-treatment or delaying diagnostic evaluation may lead to serious complications. Timely diagnosis allows selection of the most gentle and effective treatment method.

Gallstones treatment in Israel is focused on patient safety, diagnostic precision, and the use of advanced minimally invasive technologies. This is especially important in complicated cases of gallbladder stones treatment in Israel.

For more detailed information and to contact specialists, please visit this page