Can a 13mm gallstone be expelled?

Gallstones 13mm are often difficult to pass through the body through natural excretion. Gallstones are hard masses that form in the gallbladder and when they are too large, they are often unable to pass through the bile duct and may require medical intervention to treat.

The main causes of gallstone formation include too much cholesterol or bile salts in the bile, the gallbladder cannot be completely emptied, or genetic factors. Generally speaking, gallstones can be divided into cholesterol stones and pigment stones, of which cholesterol stones are the most common type. Most gallstones smaller than 5mm can pass through the bile duct into the intestine, but stones of 13mm are beyond the possibility of natural excretion in size.

For larger stones that don't pass naturally, symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and severe pain in the upper abdomen, which can signal an inflamed gallbladder or a bile duct obstruction. Cases without symptoms may be called "silent gallstones," but once pain or other discomfort develops, it may mean intervention is needed. Treatments may include extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy or surgery to remove the gallbladder. In some cases, your doctor may recommend medication to dissolve the stones, but this is usually only appropriate for specific types of small stones.

If you suspect you have gallstones, it is recommended that you consult a medical professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Even if you do not have obvious symptoms, regular medical checkups and a healthy diet can help prevent and control the development of gallstones. In terms of diet, it is recommended to avoid high-cholesterol, high-fat foods, increase dietary fiber intake, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.