Get Your Appointment Here

Facebook Twitter Youtube Linkedin
Get Appointments

GO-SCOPE Frequently Asked Questions

  • Frequently Asked Questions

About the Procedure

This GO-SCOPE FAQ answers common questions from patients in India about the procedure, recovery and travelling to Washington, D.C. for treatment. Your specialist can answer questions about your own case.

What is GO-SCOPE?

GO-SCOPE is a minimally invasive procedure that removes gallstones while preserving your gallbladder. It uses advanced imaging and lithotripsy, and it was developed under the leadership of Dr. John Smirniotopoulos.

A small percutaneous access is created, stones are visualized, fragmented with lithotripsy, and safely removed without major surgery.

GO-SCOPE may be suitable for selected patients who want to explore treatment that preserves the gallbladder, high-risk patients, subject to specialist assessment who are poor candidates for surgery, including those with prior bariatric surgery, and patients who want a Removed because this could sound like a guaranteed outcome.

GO-SCOPE aims to preserve the gallbladder, reduce physical trauma and support a quick recovery. Ask your specialist how the published results apply to you, and see our clinical evidence.

Most patients experience minimal discomfort, rarely requiring strong pain medication, thanks to the procedure’s minimally invasive and precise technique.

Recovery typically takes 24–48 hours, with most patients returning to normal activities quickly and experiencing minimal downtime.

Travelling from India and Booking

How is GO-SCOPE different from gallbladder removal surgery?

Gallbladder removal surgery takes out the whole organ. GO-SCOPE removes the stones and leaves your gallbladder in place.

In India, ERCP at hospital networks such as Apollo Hospitals treats stones in the bile ducts. ERCP does not treat stones inside the gallbladder. Ask your gastroenterologist which option fits your stones

In many cases. GO-SCOPE also may suit patients with stones lodged in the common bile duct who might otherwise need more invasive procedures.

Yes. The procedure is done under conscious sedation or light anesthesia for comfort and safety.

Yes. Follow-up visits confirm that the stones are gone, check healing, and monitor how your gallbladder is working.

Use the contact form or call the India care helpline. Keep your recent ultrasound or other gallbladder imaging and your medical history ready.

Risks and Recovery

Is the procedure available in India?
All procedures are performed exclusively in Washington, D.C., United States, by Dr. John Smirniotopoulos. The procedure is not performed in India, the UAE, or any other country.

The GO-SCOPE procedure usually takes 60–90 minutes depending on the number and size of gallstones.

Most patients are discharged within 24 hours, with only minimal observation needed to ensure safe recovery.

Patients are generally allowed light meals shortly after the procedure, with a gradual return to a normal diet.

GO-SCOPE is suitable for adults of various ages, including high-risk elderly patients, depending on individual health conditions.

Most patients experience mild discomfort and require little or no strong pain medication after the procedure.

If new gallstones develop, your specialist can advise whether repeating GO-SCOPE is suitable for you. A healthy lifestyle may help lower the chance of new stones forming.

Like any medical procedure, GO-SCOPE carries some risks, though most are uncommon. They include bleeding, infection, bile leakage, short-term pain at the access site, leftover stone fragments, and reactions to sedation. Because the gallbladder is preserved, new stones can form later. Your specialist will explain the risks that apply to you before treatment. Seek medical care promptly if you develop fever, worsening pain or yellowing of the skin or eyes afterwards.

Scroll to Top