Fortis Escorts Faridabad Removes Over 4,000 Gallstones From Obese Patient

Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad, has successfully removed more than 4,000 gallstones from a 41-year-old man through a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure. The hospital said the case involved one of the highest reported gallstone counts in the city.

The patient had a high-risk clinical profile, including morbid obesity, obstructive sleep apnea, Type II diabetes, hypertension and acute kidney injury. He arrived at the hospital after experiencing severe abdominal pain for seven days, accompanied by nausea and significant indigestion.

Diagnostic imaging showed a severely inflamed gallbladder containing thousands of microscopic gallstones and thick biliary sludge. Doctors said the condition required urgent intervention because the large number of stones increased the risk of infection, gallbladder rupture and bile duct obstruction.

Complex Surgery In 45 Minutes
A multidisciplinary team led by Dr. B.D. Pathak, Senior Director, GI, Minimal Access and Bariatric Surgery at Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad, performed the laparoscopic procedure under general anaesthesia. The surgery involved removing the gallbladder along with more than 4,000 gallstones and was completed in 45 minutes.

The patient’s clinical condition added to the complexity of the procedure. With a BMI of 46, acute kidney failure and a requirement for dialysis, the surgical and medical teams had to carefully manage the risks associated with anaesthesia and surgery. “Operating on a patient with a BMI of 46 who is already battling acute kidney failure and requiring dialysis is an extraordinary clinical challenge,” said Dr. B.D. Pathak. He added that handling more than 4,000 gallstones required precision to prevent gallbladder rupture and the potential spread of infection. 

According to him, the minimally invasive approach helped reduce surgical trauma and anaesthesia exposure in a high-risk patient. The patient recovered smoothly following the procedure under the joint care of the surgical, nephrology and internal medicine teams. His condition stabilised rapidly and he was discharged a few days later, walking independently and without pain.

Dr. Abhishek Sharma, Facility Director, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad, said, “This extraordinary clinical milestone underscores Fortis Escorts Faridabad’s capability to seamlessly manage the most intricate and high-risk medical emergencies.” The hospital said the case required coordinated intervention involving its surgical, nephrology, critical care and anaesthesia teams, highlighting the role of multidisciplinary care in managing complex emergencies involving multiple comorbidities.