Can surgery cure gallstones?

Surgery is currently one of the most effective methods for treating gallstones. It can completely remove the stones and prevent complications. However, whether surgery is needed depends on the size of the stones, whether the symptoms are obvious, and the patient's physical condition.

Gallstones are divided into two categories: symptomatic and asymptomatic. When the stones are small and have no obvious symptoms, conservative treatment can be chosen, monitoring the progression of the disease, and combining low-fat diet adjustments; but if the stones cause obvious biliary colic, cholecystitis or affect liver function, surgery is usually the first choice. Surgical treatment includes three methods: laparoscopic cholecystectomy, open cholecystectomy, and endoscopic retrograde pancreaticocholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Among them, laparoscopic surgery is the most commonly used due to its small incision and quick recovery. If the patient is not suitable for surgery due to special reasons, such as older age or severe cardiopulmonary disease, non-surgical intervention for symptoms can be considered, but there is a risk of recurrence.

Gallstones are divided into two categories: symptomatic and asymptomatic. When the stones are small and have no obvious symptoms, conservative treatment can be chosen, monitoring the progression of the disease, and combining low-fat diet adjustments; but if the stones cause obvious biliary colic, cholecystitis or affect liver function, surgery is usually the first choice. Surgical treatment includes three methods: laparoscopic cholecystectomy, open cholecystectomy, and endoscopic retrograde pancreaticocholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Among them, laparoscopic surgery is the most commonly used due to its small incision and quick recovery. If the patient is not suitable for surgery due to special reasons, such as older age or severe cardiopulmonary disease, non-surgical intervention for symptoms can be considered, but there is a risk of recurrence.

To prevent complications after gallstone surgery, you need to strictly follow the doctor's advice to eat a light diet and gradually resume exercise. To avoid the formation of gallstones, you should develop good eating habits, control the intake of high cholesterol and high fat in your diet, and increase dietary fiber appropriately. If you experience abdominal pain, nausea, jaundice, etc., you should seek medical attention in time to determine the treatment plan.