Phu Tho General Hospital surgeons remove 49 gallstones from patient

Doctors at Phu Tho General Hospital successfully performed a laparoscopic cholecystectomy on a 54-year-old woman, removing 49 gallstones from her gallbladder. The stones ranged in size from 4 to 8mm.

The patient had previously known about her gallstones but had not sought treatment. She eventually sought medical attention after experiencing prolonged and intense pain in the right hypochondriac region. Following examinations, doctors diagnosed her with cholecystitis caused by the stones.

Following the minimally invasive procedure, the patient recovered quickly, was able to walk and eat normally by the second day, and was discharged after five days of treatment. Medical professionals advise that while not all gallstones require immediate surgery, intervention is mandatory if complications such as acute cholecystitis, bile duct obstruction, or acute pancreatitis occur. Symptoms requiring immediate medical attention include pain in the upper abdomen or right hypochondrium, fever, chills, and jaundice.