Has an ultrasound shown gallstones in your child? Dr. Pritesh Maheshwari, paediatric surgeon (MCh, AIIMS New Delhi), assesses each child and explains clearly whether watching, further tests, or surgery is the right next step.
The gallbladder is a small pouch under the liver that stores bile, a fluid that helps digest fat. Gallstones are hard deposits that form inside it. They are less common in children than in adults, but they can occur at any age, from infancy to the teenage years.
In children, gallstones are more often linked to another condition. In many children, no cause is found. Only a proper assessment can tell what applies to your child.
RECOGNISED CAUSES IN CHILDREN
Blood disorders that break down red blood cells faster, such as thalassaemia, hereditary spherocytosis and sickle cell disease
Long periods of drip feeding or fasting
Certain bowel conditions or bowel surgery
Some medicines
Liver conditions
WATCH OR OPERATE
Does Every Child With Gallstones Need Surgery
OFTEN WATCHED
No, not always
Stones found by chance on a scan, in a child with no symptoms, are often watched with regular check-ups. In babies, stones can sometimes clear on their own.
Medicines that dissolve stones have shown limited results in children.
REMOVAL USUALLY CONSIDERED
When gallbladder removal is advised
Stones cause typical pain
Stones lead to complications such as an inflamed gallbladder, pancreatitis or a blocked bile duct
Certain blood disorders where the risk of later problems is higher
The decision depends on your child’s symptoms, scan findings, age and medical history. When surgery is needed, it is usually done through paediatric laparoscopic surgery.
SPECIAL PLANNING
Gallstones in Children With Thalassaemia and Other Blood Disorders
Children with blood disorders that break down red cells, such as thalassaemia, hereditary spherocytosis or sickle cell disease, are more likely to form gallstones. Their haematologist may advise a periodic ultrasound to look for stones, even without symptoms.
Planning is different for these children. In some blood disorders, removing the gallbladder may be advised even when the stones are not yet causing pain. If a child is already having spleen surgery, the gallbladder may be removed in the same operation when stones are present.
These decisions are best made jointly by the paediatric surgeon and the child’s haematologist.
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR
Symptoms That Need a Doctor’s Assessment
Younger children may only have vague tummy aches. All of these symptoms have many other causes, so they do not confirm gallstones on their own.
When to seek urgent care: go to the nearest emergency department if your child has severe or worsening tummy pain, keeps vomiting, has a fever with significant pain, has yellow eyes or skin, or seems very unwell. Do not wait for a clinic appointment.
Pain in the upper right or upper middle tummy, often after meals
At the consultation, Dr. Maheshwari will take you through each step and answer your questions.
Please bring all previous reports and scan images to the first visit.
01Go through your child’s symptoms, medical history, medicines and allergies
02Examine your child gently, in a way that suits their age
03Review previous ultrasound and blood reports
04Advise further tests only where needed, such as a repeat ultrasound, liver function tests or tests for a blood disorder
05Explain the options, from observation to surgery, and answer your questions
THE OPERATION
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for Children
When removal is advised, the standard operation is laparoscopic cholecystectomy: the whole gallbladder is removed through a few small cuts in the tummy, using a thin camera and fine instruments. It is done under general anaesthesia and is now the preferred approach for most children who need gallbladder surgery.
Most people digest food normally without a gallbladder.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is among the paediatric laparoscopic procedures Dr. Maheshwari offers.
Laparoscopic surgery
Open surgery
Access
A few small cuts, camera and fine instruments
One larger cut
When used
Most planned operations
Severe inflammation, unclear anatomy, bleeding, or other difficulty
Recovery
Often quicker in suitable cases
Usually a longer stay
A laparoscopic operation sometimes has to be changed to open surgery during the procedure for safety. This is a sound surgical decision, not a failure, and your surgeon will discuss it with you beforehand.
BEFORE AND AFTER
Anaesthesia, Hospital Stay and Recovery
01
Before surgery
A pre-anaesthesia check, any needed tests, and clear fasting and medicine instructions. Follow the treating team’s instructions exactly.
02
Where
Consultations take place at the Delhi clinic. Surgery is performed at a hospital with paediatric anaesthesia and recovery facilities.
03
After surgery
Your child is monitored, given pain relief, and allowed to eat and drink as advised. The length of stay and return to school depend on your child’s recovery.
Contact the team promptly if your child has increasing tummy pain, repeated vomiting, fever, redness or discharge from a wound, yellow eyes or skin, or tummy swelling.
BEFORE YOU DECIDE
Risks to Discuss Before Surgery
No operation is free of risk. The likelihood depends on your child’s health and condition. Ask Dr. Maheshwari which risks apply to your child.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
BleedingInfectionReactions to anaesthesiaBile leakageInjury to the bile duct or nearby organsA stone left in the bile duct that needs another procedureWound problemsConversion to open surgery
COST
Gallbladder Surgery Cost in Delhi
We do not publish a fixed price, because every child’s needs differ.
After the consultation, ask for a written estimate that lists what is included and excluded.
THE COST DEPENDS ON
The diagnosis and whether the operation is planned or urgent
Surgeon and anaesthesia fees
Hospital, room category, and length of stay
Tests before surgery, medicines and follow-up visits
Any additional treatment if complications arise
Has an ultrasound shown gallstones?
Book a consultation to understand whether watching, further tests or surgery is right for your child.
Relative got operated for hypospadias surgery urethroplasty. Surgery was success. We came from far away bihar . Single surgery done. Patient is well now. Dr pritesh is best pediatric surgeon and pediatric urologist . Thanks sir .
My child was diagnosed with abdominal table process by Dr Pritesh Maheshwari. we were referred by Dr Naveen for distention of abdomen and vomiting. Dr Pritesh has diagnosed our child very quickly and has started treatment on time and the child recovered well within time. I highly recommend Dr Pritesh Maheshwari for any paediatric surgery for kids. Dr Pritesh Maheshwari is best paediatric surgeon and Best paediatric urologist. I highly recommend Dr Pritesh Maheshwari for kidney surgery, hypospadias surgery pyeloplasty, urethroplasty, and any hernia surgery.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We visited Dr. Pritesh Maheshwari for our child's treatment, and our experience was truly exceptional. As parents, we were naturally very worried and anxious, but from the very first consultation, Dr. Maheshwari gave us ample time, patiently answered all our questions, and explained the entire treatment process in a simple and reassuring manner.
What impressed us the most was that he guided us not just as a doctor, but with the care and compassion of a family member. His expertise, confidence, and genuine concern for his patients gave us complete trust and peace of mind throughout the journey. The dedication and attention he showed towards our child's care were truly remarkable.
Today, our child is healthy and recovering well, and we are deeply grateful to Dr. Pritesh Maheshwari and his entire team for their outstanding support and care. If you are looking for a highly skilled, trustworthy, and compassionate pediatric surgeon, I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Pritesh Maheshwari.
Thank you, Doctor, for turning our worries into confidence and relief. Your care and commitment have made a lasting positive impact on our family.
I highly recommend Dr. pritesh Maheshwari for his exceptional surgical expertise and compassionate care. He recently performed a surgery for my son Kunsh Mehta’s penile cyst, and the entire process was handled with great professionalism. Beyond his surgical skill, his clinic is impressively well-maintained, clean, and hygienic. Dr. Maheshwari is incredibly supportive and always available for follow-up calls. His fees are very reasonable for a specialist of his caliber .The entire experience was stress- free and I would confidently recommend him to any parent seeking high-quality pediatric care.
Thank you so much Dr.
Dr. Pritesh Maheshwari is a very good doctor. The doctor operated my son's hernia and surgery was successful.my child recovered very fastly.when we came to Dr. Pritesh he explained it to us very well. Dr. Pritesh is the best pediatrician and best urologist. The staff was even Nice and experienced even the doctor is very nice and efficient in his work. Facilities and care was top notch. The results were very satisfying. Even the doctor is very nice both behavior wise and with his work. If u want your child to be in safe hands this is just the perfect place
I had an excellent experience with Dr Pritesh who treated my 3-year-old son for an inguinal hernia. The doctor demonstrated exceptional expertise, professionalism, and compassion throughout the entire process.
He took the time to thoroughly explain the diagnosis and procedure, which greatly reassured me as a mother. The surgery was performed successfully, and the post-operative care and guidance were equally commendable.
I sincerely appreciate Dr. Pritesh’s dedication and gentle approach with children. I highly recommend him to any family seeking reliable and expert paediatric surgical care.
Great experience with Dr Pritesh . He have managed our case so well with minimum medications and investigations.
He is best in his field, knowledgeable and ethical in his practice.
High recommended 👍
Great experience...
Doctor was avaliable just on one call.
Got recommendation from my Pediatrician and I am really happy with the way he guided us and gave us after care..
Great experience with Dr Pritesh for Pediatric / Child surgery and Suture removal. Also my wife had a nice sitting with her Dental Extraction by Dr Mani.
It is very important to consider doctor's credentials, training, and experience especially when it comes to children... here I was fully satisfied as Dr Pritesh is a Gold Medalist with rich experience in AIIMS, New Delhi and Chacha Nehru Children Hospital. He is very cooperative, understanding and charges a reasonable fees.
Even Dr Mani has a deep knowledge of her work and my wife had a pain free experience. Closely located in Krishna Nagar with good parking space and a new beautiful clinic.
Great experience with Dr Pritesh and Dr Mani, boon for us. They have managed our case so well with minimum medications and investigations.
They are best in their field, knowledgeable and ethical in their practice.
High recommended 👍
CLINIC DETAILS
Visit the Clinic in East Delhi
Bring all previous scans and blood reports to your consultation.
CLINIC
Maheshwari Multispeciality Clinic
D-11, Krishna Nagar Main Road, Near Rattan Devi School, Delhi 110051
EASY TO REACH FROM
Laxmi NagarPreet ViharShahdaraGeeta ColonyMayur ViharAcross East Delhi
Surgery is performed at Kailash Deepak Hospital and Yashoda Hospital, Kaushambi.
Yes. Gallstones are less common in children than adults but can occur at any age. They are often linked to blood disorders, long-term drip feeding, bowel conditions, or certain medicines, though sometimes no cause is found.
Does every child with gallstones need surgery?
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No. Children without symptoms are often watched with check-ups. Surgery is usually considered for repeated typical pain, complications, or certain blood disorders. A paediatric surgeon decides after assessing your child.
What is laparoscopic cholecystectomy?
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It is the removal of the gallbladder through a few small cuts using a camera and fine instruments, under general anaesthesia. It is the most common way gallbladder surgery is done in children.
Can only the stones be removed and the gallbladder kept?
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The standard operation removes the whole gallbladder. Your surgeon will explain why this is advised for your child.
What tests are needed before surgery?
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Usually an ultrasound, blood tests, and a pre-anaesthesia check. Some children need further imaging if a stone in the bile duct is suspected. Not every child needs every test.
How long is the hospital stay?
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It depends on your child’s condition and recovery. Dr. Maheshwari will give you an expected plan before surgery.
When can my child return to school?
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This depends on how your child recovers. Your surgeon will advise at the follow-up visit.
Will my child need a special diet afterwards?
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Most children return to a normal diet. Follow the treating team’s advice on what to eat in the first days after surgery.
What affects the cost of gallbladder surgery in Delhi?
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The diagnosis, hospital, room type, length of stay, anaesthesia, tests, and medicines. Ask for a written estimate after the consultation.
How do I book a consultation?
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Call +91 76699 55995 or use the appointment form. Bring all previous scans and blood reports.
Talk to a Paediatric Surgeon About Your Child’s Gallstones
Book a consultation at the Delhi clinic to understand your child’s condition and options.
