How to treat gallstones in children

Gallstones in children are mainly treated through drug lithotripsy, surgery and lifestyle adjustments. The specific method needs to be selected by the doctor after diagnosis based on the size, number and severity of the stones.

1. Medication

If the stones are small and have no obvious symptoms, you can try to use drugs for lithotripsy. Commonly used drugs include ursodeoxycholic acid, which can help dissolve cholesterol stones. The use of drugs must be carried out under the guidance of a doctor, and regular check-ups should be conducted to observe changes in the stones. This method is suitable for small gallstones discovered early, but it requires long-term persistence and the effect varies from person to person.

2. Surgery

(1) Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: It is the most common surgical method for treating gallstones in children. It is less invasive and has a quick recovery. It is suitable for cases with obvious symptoms or large stones.

(2) Choledoscopic lithotripsy: Applicable to bile duct stones. Through precise positioning through endoscopy, the stones are broken up and removed with a lithotripsy device, while preserving the function of the gallbladder.

(3) Traditional open cholecystectomy: It is only performed in special circumstances (such as severe gallbladder infection or concurrent gallbladder perforation).

3. Lifestyle Adjustments

(1) Dietary control: Avoid high-fat and high-cholesterol foods, and consume more vegetables and fruits containing dietary fiber to promote digestion.

(2) Moderate exercise: Regular exercise can help promote bile flow and prevent stones from growing, but avoid overly strenuous activity.

(3) Weight management: Obesity is associated with the formation of gallstones. It is important to help children maintain a healthy weight, but do not lose weight through excessive dieting, which may have the opposite effect.

During the treatment process, you should also pay close attention to changes in your child's symptoms. If severe abdominal pain, fever, or vomiting occurs, you should seek medical attention in time to avoid delays in the disease.

Treatment of gallstones in children requires a combination of medication, surgery, and lifestyle adjustments, and the specific choice should be based on the doctor's professional evaluation. Parents should pay attention to the healthy management of their children's diet and habits in daily life, and regularly check to ensure that the problem is properly controlled.