Is it harmful if I have gallstones for five or six years?

Gallstones that have been present for five or six years can cause a variety of potential harms to the body, such as biliary colic, cholecystitis, cholangitis, and even gallbladder cancer, which require timely attention and treatment. Common treatments include drug lithotripsy, surgical removal, and dietary adjustments. It is recommended to develop a personalized plan based on symptoms and examination results.

1) Long-term harm of gallstones

Long-term presence of gallstones may lead to a variety of complications:

- Biliary colic: When a gallstone blocks the neck of the gallbladder or the bile duct, it can cause severe, short-lived abdominal pain, often occurring late at night or after eating greasy foods.

-Acute cholecystitis: Gallstone blockage can cause bile retention and bacterial infection, leading to persistent right upper abdominal pain, fever, nausea and other symptoms. In severe cases, emergency surgery may be required.

- Cholangitis: Gallstones blocking the bile duct may cause the infection to spread to the liver. The patient will experience symptoms such as jaundice, chills and high fever. If not treated in time, it may be life-threatening.

- Loss of gallbladder function or gallbladder cancer: The gallbladder mucosa that has been irritated by gallstones for a long time may develop inflammatory hyperplasia, fibrosis, or even cancer, especially in cases where the stones are large or combined with gallbladder calcification.

2) Treatment methods and treatment recommendations

According to the different stages of gallstone development, the following solutions can be selected:

-Drug treatment: For small gallstones without obvious symptoms, ursodeoxycholic acid drugs can be used to help dissolve gallstones, but the efficacy is limited and long-term medication is required.

-Surgical method:

1. Cholecystectomy is the most common radical treatment method, which is divided into traditional open surgery and minimally invasive laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the latter of which has a faster recovery time.

2. ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) is effective in treating common bile duct stones. It can remove gallstones or place stents to relieve obstruction.

3. Gallbladder preservation lithotomy is suitable for young patients with a strong desire to preserve their gallbladder, but attention should be paid to the risk of recurrence.

-Diet and lifestyle adjustments:

1. Control the intake of high-fat, high-cholesterol foods, such as fried foods, animal offal, etc., and increase dietary fiber appropriately.

2. Maintain a healthy weight and avoid rapid weight loss. Drastic weight fluctuations in a short period of time can increase the risk of gallstones.

3. Develop regular eating habits, eat three meals at regular times and in regular amounts, and avoid overeating to promote normal secretion and flow of bile.

Gallstones for five or six years may bring a variety of health risks. The most appropriate treatment should be taken in time according to the specific symptoms and complications. If gallstones cause obvious pain or complications, it is particularly important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Thoroughly solving the problem through surgery and other methods can effectively prevent the condition from worsening. At the same time, a healthy diet and lifestyle also play an important role in preventing the recurrence of gallstones.