Do I need surgery for gallstones?

Whether or not gallstones require surgery depends on the severity of the symptoms and the impact on your life. For asymptomatic gallstones, immediate surgery is usually not required, but if symptoms such as severe pain, fever, or jaundice occur, it is recommended to see a doctor as soon as possible for evaluation.

Gallstones are solid particles of cholesterol or bile pigment deposited in the bile in the gallbladder. They may block the bile ducts, resulting in obstruction of bile flow, which can cause pain and infection. Asymptomatic gallstones are often discovered incidentally during a physical examination, while symptomatic gallstones may cause problems such as biliary colic and cholecystitis.

For asymptomatic gallstones, doctors usually recommend regular observation and health management rather than immediate surgery. If gallstones cause symptoms, surgery may be necessary. The most common surgical method is laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which is a minimally invasive procedure with a short recovery time. Non-surgical treatments such as drug lithotripsy or extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy have limited effectiveness and a narrow range of applications.

To prevent the formation of gallstones, it is recommended to maintain a healthy diet, avoid high-fat, high-cholesterol foods, consume more fiber-rich foods, maintain a proper weight and exercise regularly. If you experience symptoms related to gallstones, you should seek medical attention in time to obtain professional diagnosis and treatment advice.