Which type of gallstones require surgery?

Not all gallstones require surgery, but it is often necessary if you have severe symptoms such as biliary colic, cholecystitis, jaundice, or pancreatitis. Gallstones without symptoms generally do not require treatment, but gallstones with symptoms or complications can be life-threatening and require immediate medical evaluation.

Gallstones are mainly divided into asymptomatic and symptomatic types. Asymptomatic gallstones can usually be managed through regular observation unless the stones continue to grow or cause complications; symptomatic gallstones can cause severe upper abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, and may even cause infection or bile duct obstruction. These situations may require surgical treatment, including the following key surgical methods: First, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which is currently the main surgical method for treating gallstones, with the advantages of less trauma and faster recovery; second, open surgery, which may be used when the stones are complex, multiple, or the patient has other serious conditions; third, endoscopic retrograde pancreaticocholangiopancreatography (ERCP), which is often used to remove stones from the common bile duct. If gallstones cause serious complications such as acute cholecystitis or obstructive jaundice, surgery should be performed as soon as possible to avoid the spread of infection or organ damage.

If you do not have severe symptoms, you should also pay attention to your diet and lifestyle to reduce the risk of gallstones. A high-fiber diet, controlling the intake of high-fat foods, and avoiding overeating are very important for gallbladder health. Regular physical examinations can help detect potential problems early. Whether or not you choose surgery, the most important thing is to keep communicating with your doctor to ensure that your personal treatment plan is reasonable and scientific, protect your gallbladder health, and improve your quality of life.