Management of cholelithiasis (Gall Bladder Stone) through virecana (Therapeutic Purgation): A case study

Abstract

Gall bladder (GB) is an important organ under the biliary system. Cholelithiasis (gall stones) is one of the most common among all conditions affecting GB. Surgery (cholecystectomy) is the most common form of treatment for cholelithiasis. Surgically removing of cholelithiasis requires the removal of an entire organ. After the removal of GB, the patient becomes away from the normal physiological life and feels abdominal discomfort with indigestion. This has led to a growing interest in nonsurgical treatments for cholelithiasis. In the present case, the patient was suffering with abdominal pain, nausea, loos stool after every meal. The patient was given systemic virecana and after that medicine was given for 3 months and all symptoms with GB stone were disappeared. In Ayurveda, taking an idea from aśmari (Calculi), one can frame its pathology like in cholelithiasis excessive kapha reaches at pittāśaya (GB) and solidifies there with rūkṣa guṇa (dry property) of vāta to turns into stone form. virecana (therapeutic purgation) is the best treatment for this, as the site is pittāśaya. virecana is indicated for all doṣa. Efficacy of virecana karma in reference to the management of GB stone has not been well documented till date. Hence, an attempt has been made to see the efficacy of virecana karma in cholelithiasis.