PGI announces walk-in gallbladder stone screening programme

Chandigarh: Medical experts are sounding the alarm as India emerges as a global hotspot for gallbladder stones and associated cancers. In a move to combat this rising health threat, PGI announced a dedicated walk-in screening programme aimed at early detection and prevention.Statistics reveal a staggering gender disparity in gallbladder health. Out of every four patients diagnosed with gallstones, three are women. Community surveys indicate that 10% of women between the ages of 40 and 60 currently live with gallstones.Doctors point to biological and hormonal factors as the primary drivers. "The gallbladder contains receptors for oestrogen and progesterone. These hormones can impair the organ's ability to pump effectively," said Prof Usha Dutta, head of the gastroenterology department, PGI.During pregnancy, the gallbladder often enters "static mode," significantly increasing the risk of stone formation. "Traditional postpartum diets high in fats (like ghee), combined with low protein intake, can prevent the gallbladder from contracting, leading to further stone development," said Prof Usha.The danger lies in the asymptomatic nature of the condition. Roughly 80% of gallstones are "silent" and are only discovered during routine ultrasounds. However, these "silent" stones are a ticking time bomb. "Within 20 years, approximately 20% of asymptomatic patients will develop painful symptoms or life-threatening complications. These stones can slip into the bile duct, causing jaundice, fever, or pancreatitis — a condition so severe it often requires ICU admission," she said.Delaying treatment until an emergency arises is not only dangerous but expensive. Interventions for stones that move into the bile duct require specialised endoscopy and high-level expertise, with costs reaching upwards of Rs 2,50,000. In contrast, early screening allows doctors to categorise patients into high or low risk and plan managed care or elective cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal).INSET:PGI offers free voluntary ultrasound screening under an ICMR project every Tuesday from 9am until 11am at Room No 25, F-block, Ground Floor, Nehru Hospital. Contact the gallbladder helpline at 8427272233 for appointments (overnight fasting required). This is walk-in and needs no OPD card/registration. MSID:: 129342675 413 |