New Delhi: Doctors at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, have successfully removed 8,125 gallstones from a 70-year-old man’s abdomen in a complex surgical procedure. The patient had been suffering from chronic abdominal pain and related symptoms for several years before undergoing treatment.
He experienced persistent abdominal pain, intermittent fever, loss of appetite, weakness, and a feeling of heaviness in the chest and back. Despite the discomfort, he initially avoided medical care. His condition worsened, leading to an emergency visit to Fortis Gurugram.
An ultrasound revealed a densely packed gallbladder. Given the critical state, a team led by Dr. Amit Javed, Senior Director, Gastrointestinal Oncology, and Dr. Narola Yanger, Principal Consultant - GI, GI Oncology, Minimal Access & Bariatric Surgery—performed a laparoscopic cholecystectomy—a minimally invasive procedure to remove the gallbladder. The surgery was completed in one hour, and the patient was discharged in stable condition within two days.
Following the operation, the medical team began the detailed task of counting the stones removed. After several hours, the total came to 8,125 gallstones, a highly unusual number in clinical practice.
Dr. Amit Javed stated:
“This case is indeed rare, though not unprecedented. The gallstones can significantly multiply over time if left untreated. In this patient’s case, years of delay led to the accumulation of stones. Had the surgery been delayed any further, the condition could have resulted in serious complications, including gallbladder infection and abdominal pain. In more advanced stages, this could have progressed to pus formation within the gallbladder, thickening and fibrosis of the gallbladder wall, and even an increased risk of gallbladder cancer. Post the surgery, the patient is stable and has no discomfort. What sets this case apart is the exceptionally high number of stones removed. Most gallstones are composed of cholesterol and are often linked to obesity and high-cholesterol diets.”
Yash Rawat, Vice President & Facility Director, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, added:
"This case was particularly challenging due to the massive number of gallstones present. Nonetheless, our team of doctors, led by Dr. Amit Javed, handled it with exceptional skill. Clinical expertise and best-in-class care to manage such cases are the hallmarks of Fortis Hospital Gurugram, and we continuously endeavor to provide the highest level of care to save lives and get improved outcomes.”
The case underscores the importance of early diagnosis and timely treatment in gallbladder-related conditions and highlights the capability of minimally invasive techniques in handling even complex surgical situations.