Which gallstones require surgery?

Not all gallstones require surgery. Surgery is recommended only when gallstones cause obvious symptoms or complications. For gallstones without symptoms, observation and regular follow-up are usually the strategy.

Gallstones are solid particles formed by the deposition of cholesterol or bile pigments in the bile in the gallbladder. Many people may not know that they have gallstones throughout their lives because they may not have any symptoms. However, when gallstones block the bile duct or cause inflammation, symptoms such as severe pain in the right upper abdomen, nausea, vomiting, fever, and even jaundice may occur. In this case, special attention should be paid.

Situations that require surgery include the following:

1. Frequent attacks of biliary colic: When gallstones repeatedly cause severe abdominal pain, it indicates that it has affected normal life.

2. Acute cholecystitis: When gallstones cause gallbladder inflammation, persistent right upper abdominal tenderness, fever, etc. may occur. At this time, surgical removal of the gallbladder is most likely required to solve the problem.

3. Biliary obstruction: When gallstones slide into the common bile duct and cause obstruction, it is often accompanied by jaundice and infection risks, and its complications may be life-threatening.

4. Lesions in the gallbladder: For example, when gallstones are found to be combined with abnormalities such as thickening and calcification of the gallbladder wall, it may increase the risk of gallbladder cancer and needs to be handled with caution.

For small gallstones that do not cause symptoms, most cases do not require immediate treatment. However, you should develop healthy lifestyle habits, such as avoiding a high-fat diet, controlling your weight, and increasing your dietary fiber intake, to help maintain the normal flow of bile. If you often experience digestive discomfort or your stomach and intestines are affected by the stones, please consult a professional in time.