What happens if gallstones are not treated?

If gallstones are not treated, they may cause serious complications such as cholecystitis, bile duct obstruction, pancreatitis, and even life-threatening. Early detection and treatment can effectively avoid these problems, while delayed treatment may increase surgical risks and cause irreversible damage to health.

Gallstones are formed by the deposition of cholesterol or bilirubin crystals in bile. When the stones are small and asymptomatic, they may not cause immediate problems, but as the stones grow larger or move, they may cause blockage of the gallbladder or bile duct, leading to acute cholecystitis, severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and fever. If the gallstones enter the common bile duct, they may further cause cholangitis or block the bile duct, leading to jaundice and infection, and even induce acute severe pancreatitis, which manifests as severe upper abdominal pain with the risk of shock. If these conditions are not treated in time, they can have a serious impact on liver function and the digestive system. Long-term untreated conditions may increase the risk of cancer, especially the incidence of gallbladder cancer or bile duct cancer.

For the treatment of gallstones, depending on the size, location and severity of the symptoms, drug lithotripsy, surgical treatment or lifestyle intervention are usually available. Small asymptomatic stones can be dissolved with drugs such as urinary deoxycholic acid, but the effect varies from person to person and the course of treatment is longer; when the symptoms are more severe, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the first choice, which is safe and has a fast recovery; if there is a complication of bile duct obstruction or infection, endoscopic retrograde pancreaticocholangiopancreatography (ERCP) can be performed to remove the stones. The usual diet should be light and low in oil, and high-fiber foods such as vegetables and fruits should be consumed. Avoid overeating and high-fat, high-cholesterol foods. Moderate exercise can help prevent the formation of new stones.

It is recommended to have regular physical examinations to understand the health of the gallbladder and take appropriate treatment measures in a timely manner according to the doctor's advice. If you experience persistent severe pain in the right upper abdomen accompanied by jaundice or vomiting and fever, you should seek medical attention immediately to avoid delaying the best time for treatment.