Are gallstones serious?

The consequences of gallstones can be serious, especially if not discovered and treated in time, which may lead to serious complications such as cholecystitis, cholangitis, pancreatitis, and even life-threatening. If the symptoms are mild, such as only mild right upper abdominal discomfort or indigestion, it is still necessary to see a doctor as soon as possible and have an ultrasound examination to confirm the diagnosis. For patients with gallstones, appropriate treatment methods should be selected according to the condition, such as drug dissolution, minimally invasive surgery, or improved lifestyle to avoid worsening of the condition.

1. Consequences and possible complications of gallstones

Gallstones are caused by an imbalance in the composition of bile, which leads to the deposition of substances such as cholesterol or bile pigments in the gallbladder or bile ducts. If the stones are large or cause obstruction, the following complications may occur:

Acute cholecystitis: Stones blocking the gallbladder duct can cause inflammation, manifested as severe pain in the right upper abdomen, fever, nausea, etc., and timely surgical removal of the gallbladder is required.

Cholangitis: When stones enter the bile duct and cause infection, it will cause the "biliary triad" such as fever, chills, and jaundice. In severe cases, it may cause sepsis.

Acute pancreatitis: When stones block the junction of the common bile duct and the pancreatic duct, pancreatic juice cannot be discharged, irritating the pancreas and causing acute pancreatitis. This disease can be life-threatening and requires emergency treatment.

Recommendation: If you have persistent abdominal pain, fever, jaundice and other symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately. Regular physical examinations can help detect gallstones early and avoid complications.

2. Treatment of gallstones

Depending on the size and location of the gallstones and the severity of your symptoms, you may have the following treatment options:

Drug litholysis: Suitable for cholesterol stones smaller than 1 cm and asymptomatic. Ursodeoxycholic acid can be used to dissolve the stones, but the treatment course is long and the effect is limited.

Minimally invasive surgery: The most commonly used surgery is laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which has small surgical trauma and quick recovery, and is suitable for patients with recurrent attacks or complications.

Choledochal lithotripsy: If the stones are located in the bile duct, they can be removed by endoscopic lithotripsy.

Recommendation: After a clear diagnosis, discuss the most appropriate treatment plan with your doctor to avoid delays that may worsen the condition.

3. Prevention of gallstones and improvement of lifestyle

A healthy lifestyle can effectively prevent the formation of gallstones and also help alleviate symptoms for those who already have the disease:

Dietary adjustment: Avoid high-fat, high-cholesterol diets, and eat more foods rich in dietary fiber such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.

Get enough exercise: Regular exercise can help control your weight, improve bile flow, and reduce the risk of gallstones.

Regular physical examinations: Especially those with a family history of gallstones or those in high-risk groups should undergo regular abdominal ultrasound examinations to detect problems early.

Kind tips

The possible consequences of gallstones depend on the progression of the patient's condition and the timeliness of treatment. If there are no symptoms, close observation and lifestyle management are required; if there are symptoms or complications, medical attention should be sought as soon as possible for professional treatment. Healthy eating and exercise habits are the basis for preventing gallstones. Caring for your body, regular physical examinations, and active treatment are the key to avoiding the serious consequences of gallstones.