How to treat gallstones

Gallstones can be treated by drug dissolving stones, minimally invasive surgery or dietary adjustments. The most appropriate method should be selected according to the severity of the disease and personal circumstances. If the symptoms are obvious or the stones are large, treatment should be started as soon as possible to avoid complications.

There are many ways to treat gallstones. For patients with gallstones without obvious symptoms, drug lithotripsy can be tried. Commonly used drugs include ursodeoxycholic acid, which can relieve pain and gradually dissolve smaller gallstones. However, drug treatment often requires long-term persistence and has limited effect. If gallstones cause complications or recurrent biliary colic, minimally invasive surgery can be considered. Currently, the most commonly used is laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which has small incisions, fast recovery, and high safety; extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is suitable for some early patients, which shatters the stones and then discharges them from the body through the bile duct. Dietary conditioning is very important for the prevention and auxiliary treatment of gallstones. It is recommended to reduce the intake of high-cholesterol and high-fat foods and consume more fiber-rich vegetables and fruits, such as spinach, apples and oats.

There are many ways to treat gallstones. For patients with gallstones without obvious symptoms, drug lithotripsy can be tried. Commonly used drugs include ursodeoxycholic acid, which can relieve pain and gradually dissolve smaller gallstones. However, drug treatment often requires long-term persistence and has limited effect. If gallstones cause complications or recurrent biliary colic, minimally invasive surgery can be considered. Currently, the most commonly used is laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which has small incisions, fast recovery, and high safety; extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is suitable for some early patients, which shatters the stones and then discharges them from the body through the bile duct. Dietary conditioning is very important for the prevention and auxiliary treatment of gallstones. It is recommended to reduce the intake of high-cholesterol and high-fat foods and consume more fiber-rich vegetables and fruits, such as spinach, apples and oats.

To avoid recurrence or worsening of gallstones, patients should pay attention to maintaining a regular diet, controlling their weight, avoiding overeating and long-term fasting; drinking plenty of water helps dilute bile and reduce the chance of stone formation. If symptoms such as persistent abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or jaundice occur, seek medical attention immediately to avoid serious complications such as cholecystitis or bile duct obstruction.