How to treat intrahepatic bile duct stones

Treatment for intrahepatic bile duct stones mainly includes medication, surgery, and minimally invasive techniques, depending on the size and location of the stones and whether they cause complications. This article will detail the treatment methods for intrahepatic bile duct stones from three aspects: medication, surgery, and minimally invasive techniques, and provide some lifestyle advice to assist in treatment.

1. Drug treatment: For patients with mild symptoms and small stones, drugs can be used to relieve symptoms and promote the excretion of stones. Commonly used drugs include ursodeoxycholic acid, which can help dissolve stones by reducing the cholesterol concentration in bile. Antibiotics can also be used to prevent or control infection, which is particularly important for cholangitis, which is often associated with intrahepatic bile duct stones.

2. Surgery: When drug treatment is ineffective or stones cause serious complications, surgery may be required. Common surgical methods include:

-Choledochoscopic lithotomy: direct removal of stones from the bile duct by inserting a choledochoscopic scope.

-Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage: For stones that cannot be removed through the gastrointestinal tract.

- Hepatectomy: For severe bile duct strictures or infections caused by stones, partial liver removal may be necessary. This is a relatively complex surgery and is reserved for very serious cases.

3. Minimally invasive technology: Minimally invasive interventional treatment (such as ERCP or PTC) is an effective and less traumatic treatment method.

-Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): It is suitable for cases where stones are located in the common bile duct and lower bile duct, and the stones are removed endoscopically.

-Percutaneous choledocholithotomy (PTC): The biliary system is penetrated through the skin to remove stones.

In addition to the above treatments, lifestyle changes are also an important means to prevent and control intrahepatic bile duct stones.

-Dietary recommendations: It is recommended to eat a low-fat, high-fiber diet and avoid foods with high cholesterol content such as animal offal and fatty meat. Beneficial foods include fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains, etc.

-Exercise advice: Regular aerobic exercise such as walking, swimming or cycling can help maintain weight, lower cholesterol levels, and promote blood circulation throughout the body, which helps the flow of bile.

Hepatolithiasis is a disease that requires the best treatment plan based on individual circumstances. Medication, surgery, and minimally invasive techniques all have their own use cases and advantages and disadvantages. Patients should seek medical attention promptly if they experience severe symptoms, such as persistent abdominal pain, fever, or jaundice. By combining medical treatment with a healthy lifestyle, we can effectively manage and prevent hepatolithiasis and protect our health. Maintaining good communication with your doctor during treatment can help you choose the treatment plan that best suits you.