How long should I wait for surgery for gallstones?

If symptoms or complications occur with gallstones, surgery is recommended as soon as possible. It is usually not recommended to delay for more than a few months, otherwise it may lead to serious consequences such as cholecystitis, cholangitis, pancreatitis, etc., which are life-threatening. For asymptomatic gallstones, the decision to perform surgery can be made based on the stability of the condition and risk assessment.

Gallstones are divided into symptomatic and asymptomatic types. Asymptomatic patients usually do not need immediate surgery, but regular follow-up is required, especially for patients with larger stones (diameter exceeding 2-3 cm) or those with diabetes or chronic diseases. The risk of developing gallbladder cancer may be higher, and a careful evaluation should be made before deciding whether to undergo surgery. Symptomatic gallstones often present as severe pain in the right upper abdomen, nausea, vomiting, fever, etc. Once acute symptoms appear, it indicates that the stones may cause cholecystitis or bile duct obstruction. At this time, it should not be delayed and surgery should be performed as soon as possible. Long-term delay in gallstone treatment can lead to decreased gallbladder function, gallbladder atrophy, or adhesions of surrounding tissues, making surgery more difficult and even endangering surrounding organs.

The surgical methods mainly include laparoscopic cholecystectomy, open cholecystectomy and percutaneous gallbladder drainage for some high-risk patients. Laparoscopic surgery is less invasive and has a quick recovery. It is the current mainstream treatment method and is suitable for most patients. Open surgery is suitable for patients with severe complications or severe abdominal adhesions. Percutaneous gallbladder drainage is used for critically ill patients who cannot tolerate surgery. After surgery, patients need to pay attention to a light diet, avoid high-fat and high-cholesterol foods, exercise moderately and maintain a healthy weight.

The treatment of gallstones should be based on the principles of early diagnosis and timely intervention. Do not delay seeking medical treatment due to fluke mentality. Once gallstones are diagnosed, especially when they recur or complications already exist, timely surgery can not only reduce the risk of complications, but also improve the quality of life. If the symptoms are not obvious yet, regular physical examinations and follow-up can effectively monitor the progression of the disease and provide adequate preparation for future treatment. Health management and good living habits are the key to preventing the recurrence of gallstones.