In a remarkable medical achievement, doctors at Fortis Memorial Research Institute in Gurugram, Haryana, successfully removed an astounding 8,125 gallstones from a 70-year-old man, providing relief from years of chronic abdominal pain.
The patient had been enduring persistent abdominal discomfort, recurrent fevers, and general weakness for several years. Upon diagnosis, the medical team decided to perform a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, a minimally invasive procedure to remove the gallbladder. The surgery was recently led by Dr. Amit Javed, Senior Director of Gastrointestinal Oncology, and lasted approximately an hour. Post-operation, the patient was discharged in stable condition within two days.
While the surgical procedure itself was completed swiftly, the process of counting the extracted gallstones took several hours. Hospital staff confirmed the removal of 8,125 stones, a number considered exceptionally high in such cases. Dr. Javed emphasized the rarity of the case and cautioned against delaying treatment for gallstones, noting that prolonged neglect can lead to severe complications, including infections and an increased risk of gallbladder cancer. This rare case aligns with existing medical literature that supports laparoscopic cholecystectomy as the gold standard for gallstone management—even in patients with large or multiple stones. Studies such as those by Gurusamy & Davidson (2014) [1] and Rana et al. (2015) [2] affirm the safety and effectiveness of minimally invasive gallbladder surgery, even in cases involving unusually high stone counts or enlarged gallbladders.
Yash Rawat, Vice-President and Facility Director at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, commended the surgical team's expertise in managing the challenging procedure. He highlighted the hospital's commitment to advanced medical care and the importance of timely intervention in preventing complex health issues.
This extraordinary case underscores the advancements in minimally invasive surgical techniques and the critical need for early diagnosis and treatment of gallbladder-related ailments. The patient's successful recovery serves as a testament to the medical team's proficiency and the effectiveness of prompt medical attention.
References:
1. Gurusamy, K. S., & Davidson, B. R. (2014). Surgical treatment of gallstones. Gastroenterology Clinics of North America, 43(2), 257–276.
2. Rana, A., Singh, R., & Singh, V. (2015). Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for giant gallbladder: A case report. International Journal of Surgery Case Reports, 14, 137–139.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Sakshi Thakar/MSM)