How to treat gallstones?

Treatments for gallstones include medication, surgery, and dietary changes, depending on the size of the stones, the severity of your symptoms, and your physical condition.

1. Drug treatment

Drug treatment is suitable for people with smaller stones and milder symptoms. Commonly used drugs include:

Ursodeoxycholic acid: It works by dissolving cholesterol stones and needs to be taken long-term.

Bile acid drugs: help bile secretion and reduce stone formation.

Pain relievers: such as ibuprofen, to relieve symptoms of biliary colic.

2. Surgical treatment

For patients with severe symptoms or large stones, surgery is the main option. Common surgical procedures include:

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: Removal of the gallbladder through minimally invasive surgery with quick recovery and minimal trauma.

Open cholecystectomy: It is suitable for complex cases or when laparoscopic surgery cannot be performed.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): used to remove bile duct stones and avoid gallbladder removal.

3. Diet adjustment

Dietary changes can help prevent gallstone recurrence and relieve symptoms. The following are recommended:

Low-fat diet: Reduce the intake of high-fat foods, such as fried foods, cream, etc., to reduce the pressure of bile secretion.

High-fiber diet: Eat more vegetables, fruits and whole grains to promote digestion and reduce cholesterol deposition.

Drink plenty of water: Maintaining adequate water intake helps dilute bile and prevent stone formation.

The treatment of gallstones requires a personalized plan based on individual circumstances. Drug treatment is suitable for patients with mild symptoms, surgical treatment is suitable for severe cases or recurrent cases, and dietary adjustment is an important auxiliary means of prevention and management. If symptoms such as persistent abdominal pain, jaundice or fever occur, you should seek medical attention in time to avoid delaying the disease. Through reasonable treatment and lifestyle adjustments, most patients can effectively control gallstones and return to normal life.