What are the treatments for gallstones?

The treatment of gallstones can be selected according to the size and location of the stones and the specific symptoms of the patient. The main methods include conservative treatment, drug lithotripsy, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy and surgery, among which surgery is the most thorough method at present.

Gallstones are crystals formed in the gallbladder or bile duct due to changes in bile composition. Usually, these stones may be composed of substances such as cholesterol, bile salts and calcium salts. The formation of gallstones is closely related to high-cholesterol diet, obesity, rapid weight loss and certain genetic factors. It can cause symptoms such as biliary colic, jaundice and even cholecystitis, which may have a significant impact on the quality of life in severe cases.

For mild asymptomatic gallstones, observation is usually used, that is, regular monitoring to see if the stones cause discomfort. In terms of drug treatment, ursodeoxycholic acid is a drug used to help dissolve cholesterol stones, but its effectiveness varies from person to person and needs to be taken long-term. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is a non-invasive method that uses shock waves to break up stones to facilitate their discharge through the bile duct. For patients with obvious symptoms or large stones, surgical removal of the gallbladder is the most effective solution. Currently, minimally invasive laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the most common, with the advantages of less trauma and faster recovery.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential to prevent gallstones. Eat a moderate amount of foods rich in dietary fiber, such as fruits and vegetables, avoid excessive intake of high-fat and high-cholesterol foods, and maintain a proper weight through regular exercise. If you experience symptoms such as right upper abdominal pain, fever, or jaundice, it is recommended to seek medical attention for professional evaluation.