How to treat gallstones more effectively

Effective methods for treating gallstones include drug lithotripsy, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, and surgical treatment. You can choose the most suitable treatment method according to your condition. In patients with early asymptomatic or mild gallstones, drug and non-surgical treatments have a certain effect, but for patients with obvious symptoms or complications, surgical treatment is the most effective option. You should consult a doctor as soon as possible to develop an individualized treatment plan.

The treatment of gallstones requires a comprehensive judgment based on the size, number, location of the stones, and the patient's overall health. For small cholesterol stones, ursodeoxycholic acid can be used to dissolve them, but this method requires long-term treatment and the effect varies from person to person. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is suitable for single, small stones without complications. It can break up the stones through high-energy shock waves and expel them from the body through the bile duct. This method has limited efficacy for larger or multiple stones. For recurrent symptomatic gallstones or cases that cause cholecystitis or bile duct obstruction, surgery is the first choice, including laparoscopic cholecystectomy and open cholecystectomy. Both methods can completely remove stones and prevent recurrence.

The treatment of gallstones requires a comprehensive judgment based on the size, number, location of the stones, and the patient's overall health. For small cholesterol stones, ursodeoxycholic acid can be used to dissolve them, but this method requires long-term treatment and the effect varies from person to person. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is suitable for single, small stones without complications. It can break up the stones through high-energy shock waves and expel them from the body through the bile duct. This method has limited efficacy for larger or multiple stones. For recurrent symptomatic gallstones or cases that cause cholecystitis or bile duct obstruction, surgery is the first choice, including laparoscopic cholecystectomy and open cholecystectomy. Both methods can completely remove stones and prevent recurrence.

When patients are receiving treatment for gallstones, they can also adjust their diet and lifestyle to alleviate symptoms and help prevent disease progression. For example, eat less greasy and high-cholesterol foods, increase dietary fiber intake such as vegetables and whole grains, maintain a proper weight, and avoid overeating. At the same time, maintain regular exercise to improve the body's metabolic capacity to reduce bile stasis. For any discomfort, you should seek medical attention in time to avoid the risk of complications due to delay.