Is it serious if sand-type gallstones are not treated?

If mud-type gallstones are not treated, they may lead to serious complications such as biliary colic, cholecystitis, and pancreatitis, which require attention and timely evaluation and treatment. Specific treatment measures include drug lithotripsy, dietary adjustments, or surgical intervention, which should be determined based on the specific condition.

1. Why do mud-type gallstones need treatment?

Silt-type gallstones are small stone particles formed by abnormal aggregation of bile components. There may be no obvious symptoms in the early stage, but if not treated, it may lead to inflammation of the gallbladder or bile duct, or even cause serious complications such as acute pancreatitis. Long-term non-treatment may also aggravate symptoms, such as upper abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, affecting daily life.

For example, if the gallstones block the gallbladder outlet, it can cause biliary colic, which is characterized by severe pain in the right upper abdomen; if the stones move to the common bile duct, it may also cause obstructive jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and sclera. Even if there is no obvious discomfort at present, regular examinations are required to assess the progress of the disease.

2. What are the treatments for mud-type gallstones?

Common treatments for sludge-type gallstones include the following:

Drug treatment:

For patients in the early stages or with mild symptoms, oral medications can be used to dissolve the stones. For example:

-Ursodeoxycholic acid: improves bile composition and gradually dissolves stones.

-Glycocholic acid: helps reduce cholestasis.

-Bile excretion promoters: help expel stagnant stone fragments.

It should be noted that the course of drug lithotripsy is long, and patients should persist for several months to a year and undergo regular check-ups.

Diet and lifestyle adjustments:

-Reduce high-fat, high-cholesterol diets and eat more fresh fruits and vegetables and high-fiber foods to maintain a balanced bile acid concentration.

-Moderate exercise, such as brisk walking or yoga, promotes regular contraction of the gallbladder and prevents the growth of stones.

-Avoid sitting for long periods of time and overeating, and develop a regular schedule.

Surgical treatment:

If stones cause significant symptoms or complications, surgery may be considered.

-Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: currently the most common minimally invasive method, which can completely solve the problem.

-Choledochoscopic lithotripsy: endoscopic removal of stones in cases where there is a risk of bile duct obstruction.

-Open surgery: Suitable for complex cases that cannot be treated with minimally invasive surgery.

3. How to determine whether medical treatment is needed?

Patients with sand-type gallstones should seek medical attention immediately if they experience persistent abdominal pain, fever, or jaundice. Even if the symptoms are mild or asymptomatic, regular ultrasound examinations are recommended to assess the progression of the stones.

Prompt evaluation and treatment of silt gallstones can avoid the risk of future complications. If a clear diagnosis is made, it is important to choose the most appropriate treatment plan based on your doctor's advice to ensure the health of your bile duct.