Detailed explanation of the treatment of gallstones

There are many treatments for gallstones, including medical lithotripsy, non-surgical treatments, and surgical procedures. The specific choice should be based on the size of the gallstones, the severity of the symptoms, and the individual patient's condition. It is recommended that you seek medical evaluation promptly after discovering gallstones and develop a personalized treatment plan.

Drug lithotripsy is usually suitable for patients with small stones and no obvious symptoms. Oral ursodeoxycholic acid or chenodeoxycholic acid can be taken to reduce cholesterol crystal precipitation and dissolve some gallstones. However, the drug treatment cycle is long, which may take months or even years, and the effect is limited. For patients with obvious symptoms but not suitable for surgery, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy can be tried. This is a non-invasive treatment that breaks up stones by shock waves to relieve bile duct obstruction. This method is only suitable for some patients, and the efficacy and recurrence rate vary from individual to individual. If gallstones cause severe symptoms such as biliary colic, cholecystitis, or the stones are large in size and number, surgery is the most direct and effective way. There are two common operations: laparoscopic cholecystectomy and open cholecystectomy. The former is less invasive and has a faster recovery, while the latter is more suitable for special and complex cases.

Drug lithotripsy is usually suitable for patients with small stones and no obvious symptoms. Oral ursodeoxycholic acid or chenodeoxycholic acid can be taken to reduce cholesterol crystal precipitation and dissolve some gallstones. However, the drug treatment cycle is long, which may take months or even years, and the effect is limited. For patients with obvious symptoms but not suitable for surgery, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy can be tried. This is a non-invasive treatment that breaks up stones by shock waves to relieve bile duct obstruction. This method is only suitable for some patients, and the efficacy and recurrence rate vary from individual to individual. If gallstones cause severe symptoms such as biliary colic, cholecystitis, or the stones are large in size and number, surgery is the most direct and effective way. There are two common operations: laparoscopic cholecystectomy and open cholecystectomy. The former is less invasive and has a faster recovery, while the latter is more suitable for special and complex cases.

In daily life, to prevent the recurrence of gallstones, you need to maintain a healthy diet, avoid consuming too much high-fat and high-cholesterol food, increase dietary fiber appropriately, and control your weight to avoid rapid weight loss. Moderate exercise can also help promote bile flow and reduce the risk of stones. After surgery, patients need regular follow-up and adjust their diet and lifestyle according to the doctor's advice. If abdominal pain worsens or other abnormal conditions occur, they should be followed up in time to ensure a smooth recovery process.