How to treat gallstones in the elderly

The treatment of gallstones in the elderly depends on the symptoms, size and overall health of the stones. Conservative treatment, drug litholysis or surgical resection can be chosen. The specific plan needs to vary from person to person and be evaluated and decided by a professional doctor.

1) Conservative treatment: suitable for cases with no symptoms or mild symptoms

If the stones do not cause obvious symptoms, your doctor may recommend regular observation. For example, ultrasound examinations may be used to monitor changes in gallstones, while adjusting the diet to promote health. Older people should avoid high-fat, high-cholesterol foods such as fried foods, animal offal, and desserts, and eat more fiber-rich vegetables and fruits. This can relieve the burden on the gallbladder and reduce the possibility of stone growth.

2) Medical litholysis: Suitable for patients in the early stage or those who cannot undergo surgery

For smaller cholesterol stones, drug lithotripsy can be used. Ursodeoxycholic acid is a commonly used drug that works by dissolving cholesterol stones. This method requires long-term persistence (usually six months to a year), and the effect varies from person to person, and regular review may be required to evaluate the effect. However, this treatment is mainly suitable for elderly patients who cannot tolerate surgery.

3) Surgical treatment: for patients with severe symptoms or complications

When gallstones cause recurrent biliary colic, cholecystitis or other complications, surgery is the preferred option. Minimally invasive laparoscopic cholecystectomy is currently the most common surgical method, with minimal trauma, quick recovery, and low surgical risk. If the patient is in poor physical condition and has difficulty tolerating surgery, percutaneous gallbladder drainage can be selected as a relief method. Before surgery, the doctor needs to fully evaluate the patient's basic conditions such as cardiopulmonary function.

The treatment of gallstones in the elderly should be selected according to personal health conditions. Early intervention can help reduce complications and long-term effects. If you or your family members have similar symptoms, please seek medical attention in time and discuss the most suitable treatment plan with a professional doctor.