Gallstones Treatment
Gallstones are solid deposits of digestive fluid that form in the gallbladder, ranging in size from tiny grains of sand to the size of a golf ball. Some individuals may develop a single gallstone, while others may have multiple stones at once. In many cases, gallstones cause no noticeable symptoms. However, when symptoms do occur, they can include pain, nausea, or complications like inflammation or infection. The primary treatment for symptomatic gallstones is cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder. Medications that help dissolve gallstones are also available but are not commonly used, typically reserved for individuals who cannot undergo surgery.
About Gallstones Treatment
Gallstones often cause no symptoms, but if a stone blocks a bile duct, it can trigger symptoms such as:
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Sudden, intense pain in the center of the abdomen
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Back pain between the shoulder blades
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Pain in the right shoulder
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Nausea or vomiting
For most people with asymptomatic gallstones, treatment is not necessary. Diagnostic tools include abdominal ultrasounds, endoscopic ultrasound, and other imaging tests. The decision to proceed with treatment depends on the patient’s symptoms and diagnostic results.
Procedure of Gallstones Treatment
There are several treatment options available for gallstones, including:
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Gallbladder Surgery (Cholecystectomy): Since gallstones tend to recur, the most common treatment is the removal of the gallbladder. After surgery, bile flows directly from the liver to the small intestine. While the gallbladder isn’t essential for survival, its removal can cause temporary diarrhea in some patients.
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Medications to Dissolve Gallstones: Oral medications can dissolve gallstones over time, but treatment may take months or years to be fully effective. Gallstones may return if medication is stopped.
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Endoscopic Gallbladder Stenting: For high-risk patients who can’t undergo surgery due to other health conditions, a nonsurgical approach called endoscopic gallbladder stenting may be used. During an ERCP procedure, a stent is placed between the gallbladder and the duodenum to relieve symptoms and prevent complications. This option is typically reserved for those unable to have surgery.