How to Diagnose and Treat Gallstones

The diagnosis of gallstones needs to be confirmed by abdominal ultrasound examination, and treatment includes watchful waiting, drug lithotripsy, extracorporeal lithotripsy and surgical intervention. The specific choice needs to be determined based on the patient's condition and symptoms.

Gallstones refer to stones formed in the gallbladder or bile duct due to abnormal crystallization of bile components. The diagnosis mainly relies on imaging examinations, the most commonly used of which is abdominal ultrasound, because it is convenient, non-invasive and has a high accuracy rate. For more complex or difficult cases, CT scans or magnetic resonance pancreaticocholangiopancreatography (MRCP) may be required for further examination. Laboratory blood tests can also assist in assessing the presence of complications such as cholecystitis or cholangitis. When gallstones cause no symptoms and are only discovered by chance, treatment usually does not involve intervention, only regular follow-up. If there are recurrent episodes of right upper abdominal colic, nausea and vomiting, or bile duct obstruction, targeted treatment is required according to the condition.

Gallstones refer to stones formed in the gallbladder or bile duct due to abnormal crystallization of bile components. The diagnosis mainly relies on imaging examinations, the most commonly used of which is abdominal ultrasound, because it is convenient, non-invasive and has a high accuracy rate. For more complex or difficult cases, CT scans or magnetic resonance pancreaticocholangiopancreatography (MRCP) may be required for further examination. Laboratory blood tests can also assist in assessing the presence of complications such as cholecystitis or cholangitis. When gallstones cause no symptoms and are only discovered by chance, treatment usually does not involve intervention, only regular follow-up. If there are recurrent episodes of right upper abdominal colic, nausea and vomiting, or bile duct obstruction, targeted treatment is required according to the condition.

Specific treatment methods include: patients with mild symptoms can take ursodeoxycholic acid to promote stone dissolution, but the medication needs to be taken for a long time and is ineffective for some types of stones; for patients with smaller stone diameters, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy can be tried, but residual stones may remain; if symptoms are severe or complicated by cholecystitis, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is often required, which can effectively relieve symptoms and prevent recurrence after surgery. Pay attention to regular diet and avoid a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet; maintain a healthy weight, exercise moderately every day, and drink plenty of water to help dilute bile and reduce the risk of stone formation. If you experience severe abdominal pain, unexplained fever or jaundice, be sure to seek medical attention immediately.