Myths about Gallbladder (GB) Stone Prevalent in Bihar: Facts Every Patient Should Know

Many myths about gallbladder (GB) stone are common among patients in Bihar, risking delayed diagnosis and improper treatment. Below, each myth is followed by a more detailed fact and the dangers of believing the misconception.

Myth	Detailed Fact	If Patient Believes the Myth
Only spicy or oily food causes GB stone	Spicy/oily foods alone rarely cause stones; the main factors are genetics, obesity, irregular weight loss, diabetes, and abnormal cholesterol metabolism. Lifestyle and family history play a bigger role.	The patient may wrongly avoid certain foods without addressing true risks. They can miss check-ups or continue unhealthy habits that genuinely increase stone risk (like obesity or skipping regular scans).
GB stone always causes pain	Many gallstones cause no symptoms for years (silent stones). Small stones may not block bile flow, so pain or fever occurs only if blockage or infection develops. Ultrasound may detect stones that are currently harmless.	Patients might ignore the problem until a critical emergency, such as sudden blockage, severe infection, or jaundice develops—often requiring urgent surgery. Silent stones can suddenly become dangerous.
Ayurveda or homeopathy can dissolve stones	No scientifically validated medicines (including Ayurveda or homeopathy) can dissolve established gallstones, especially larger or multiple stones. Treatments for prevention or mild symptoms may be suggested, but permanent cure for existing stones is surgery.	Patients may delay needed surgery, risking silent stones turning into infection, rupture, or pancreatitis. The stone may grow larger or multiply, making surgery harder or more complicated later.
Medicines can melt away all gallstones	Oral medicines can sometimes help tiny, cholesterol-only stones, but most gallstones (especially in India) do not respond to drugs and persist or worsen if left untreated. Only surgical removal of the gallbladder is definitive for most symptomatic stones.	Believing this myth delays surgery; stones can cause repeated pain, infection, jaundice, or gallbladder dysfunction. Delaying surgery may force emergency operation or main duct blockage.
Drinking extra oil/ghee prevents stone	High intake of oil/ghee does not protect, but actually raises cholesterol and bile concentration—making stone formation more likely. Balanced diet with limited fat intake helps prevent stones.	Overconsumption can directly increase the risk of gallstones and related complications like fatty liver, heart disease, and future surgeries.
Open surgery is always better than keyhole (laparoscopic)	Laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery is modern, minimally invasive, and preferred worldwide. It has faster recovery, less pain, minimal scarring, and lower infection risk compared to open surgery. Open surgery is needed only for rare, complex cases.	Choosing open surgery unnecessarily can lead to bigger scars, longer hospital stay, more pain, and future complications. Delays in opting for laparoscopic treatment can worsen health.
Gallbladder removal causes major weakness for life	After gallbladder removal, most patients live normal lives. Digestive health is usually unaffected—no lifelong dietary restrictions or weakness. Only rare situations need slightly lower fat intake.	Patients may fear surgery and delay treatment, continuing to suffer pain, poor quality of life, and risking severe attacks. Anxiety over unnecessary diet restrictions can reduce nutrition and wellbeing.

Patient Dangers & Action Tips

• Ignoring silent stones: Can trigger emergency pain or infection.

• Delaying surgery for unproven therapies: Can make results worse and increase risks.

• Fearing keyhole surgery: Can cause longer, more difficult recovery after open surgery.

• Unnecessary diet fears: Can cause poor nutrition.

Why Ashirvad (Dr Binod Healthcare)?

• Advanced ultrasound and laser/laparoscopic gallstone surgery

• Honest, evidence-based guidance for every patient

• Staff support 24x7 in Patna & Bihar Sharif