Is surgery necessary for gallstones?

Gallstones may not necessarily require surgery in some cases. Understanding their nature, symptoms, and potential risks can help you decide if surgical intervention is necessary.

Gallstones are mainly caused by an imbalance in bile composition. Surprisingly, they are common in modern people due to changes in lifestyle and eating habits. Some people compare gallstones to scale in a fish tank, which is not very noticeable at ordinary times, but may gradually increase over time. Depending on the composition, gallstones can be divided into cholesterol stones and pigment stones. If the gallstones are small and static, the patient often has no obvious symptoms and is only discovered during routine physical examinations. If the stones move and cause bile duct obstruction, it may cause symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, nausea, and jaundice, which requires special attention.

For asymptomatic gallstones, monitoring and regular check-ups are common responses. For specific conditions, it is recommended to consult a professional doctor to understand whether it affects your health. If necessary, you can adjust your diet to reduce cholesterol intake. Some patients may feel discomfort in the upper right abdomen, similar to the feeling of indigestion of greasy meals, and a balanced diet and moderate exercise can help improve overall health. For gallstones with symptoms or risks of complications, doctors may recommend drug treatment, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy or minimally invasive surgery based on clinical evaluation.

Healthy eating habits are an effective way to prevent gallstones. Eating more fiber-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables, as well as low-fat, low-cholesterol meals, can help the gallbladder function properly. Developing a habit of regular exercise not only helps control weight, but also reduces the risk of bile stasis, thereby reducing the chance of stone formation. If severe symptoms such as severe abdominal pain occur, it is particularly important to seek medical attention in a timely manner to avoid delaying the condition.

Surgery is not necessarily the solution for every gallstone. Through preventive measures and health management, the troubles caused by gallstones can be effectively reduced or even avoided for most people.