Is intrahepatic bile duct stones serious in women?

Intrahepatic bile duct stones in women need to be taken seriously, and timely medical treatment is the key. The main causes are cholestasis, biliary infection or metabolic abnormalities. Treatment methods include drug lithotripsy, endoscopic lithotomy or surgical treatment, combined with dietary adjustments and lifestyle improvements to effectively prevent recurrence.

1. Cholestasis is one of the important causes of intrahepatic bile duct stones. Abnormal bile composition or obstruction of bile flow may lead to stone formation. For treatment, oral ursodeoxycholic acid or taurine can be tried to promote bile excretion and dissolve small stones.

2. Biliary tract infection is a common cause of intrahepatic bile duct stones. Bacterial infection can cause bile duct inflammation and aggravate stone formation. It is recommended to use antibiotics such as ceftriaxone, levofloxacin or ampicillin to control infection, and cooperate with endoscopic retrograde pancreaticobiliary ductography (ERCP) to remove stones.

3. Metabolic abnormalities such as cholesterol metabolism disorders can also increase the risk of intrahepatic bile duct stones. Adjusting the dietary structure, reducing the intake of high-cholesterol foods such as animal offal, egg yolks, etc., and increasing the intake of vegetables and fruits rich in fiber can help improve metabolism.

4. Drug treatment is suitable for smaller stones. Commonly used drugs include ursodeoxycholic acid, taurine, etc., which can dissolve stones through oral administration, but the treatment course is long and needs to be carried out under the guidance of a doctor.

5. Endoscopic lithotripsy is a minimally invasive treatment method suitable for patients with large bile duct stones or jaundice. Through ERCP technology, doctors can directly remove stones with minimal trauma and quick recovery.

6. Surgical treatment is suitable for patients with large stones, recurrent attacks or severe complications. Common surgical methods include bile duct exploration and lithotomy, partial liver resection, etc. After surgery, attention should be paid to wound care to prevent infection.

7. Diet adjustment is crucial to prevent the recurrence of intrahepatic bile duct stones. It is recommended to eat more carrots, spinach, etc. that are rich in vitamin A, eat less greasy and spicy food, and avoid overeating.

8. Improving your lifestyle can also help reduce the risk of intrahepatic bile duct stones. Maintaining moderate exercise such as yoga, jogging, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption, maintaining a regular work and rest schedule, and reducing mental stress are beneficial to liver and gallbladder health.

Intrahepatic bile duct stones in women need to be detected and treated early. Appropriate treatment methods should be selected according to the size of the stones and the severity of the symptoms. At the same time, attention should be paid to diet and lifestyle adjustments, which can effectively control the progression of the disease, prevent complications, and improve the quality of life.