What are the dangers of gallstones?

Gallstones can cause biliary colic, inflammation, infection, bile duct obstruction, and even fatal complications such as acute pancreatitis or gallbladder cancer. Prompt medical attention and treatment can effectively prevent these serious health problems.

The main symptom of gallstones is severe right upper abdominal pain, which often occurs suddenly and lasts from minutes to hours, seriously affecting the quality of life. Gallstones can also lead to cholecystitis, in which patients may experience fever, nausea, vomiting and other symptoms. If the stones block the bile duct, they can cause jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. When gallstones induce acute pancreatitis, patients experience severe abdominal pain and vomiting, requiring emergency treatment. In the most severe cases, long-standing gallstones can turn into gallbladder cancer, which is life-threatening.

Treatments for gallstones include medical lithotripsy, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, and surgical treatment. Medical lithotripsy is suitable for smaller cholesterol stones, but requires long-term medication and the effect may be unstable. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy uses sound waves to break up the stones, which are then naturally excreted from the body. It is suitable for small and medium-sized stones. Surgical treatments include laparoscopic surgery and open surgery. Laparoscopic surgery is less invasive and has a faster recovery, so it is often the first choice. However, for larger or complex stones, open surgery is still applicable.

In order to prevent the formation of gallstones, attention should be paid to diet and lifestyle adjustments. Increasing dietary fiber intake, reducing high-fat, high-cholesterol foods, and maintaining a moderate amount of water intake can help reduce the risk of gallstones. Regular exercise can promote bile flow and reduce the incidence of gallstones. Regular physical examinations are especially important for people with a family history or other high-risk factors. Once related symptoms appear, you should see a doctor as soon as possible and undergo B-ultrasound and other examinations to confirm the diagnosis and intervene early.

Do not ignore the psychological state of patients with gallstones. Pain and treatment may cause psychological stress and anxiety. Supporting patients to actively face treatment and adjust their lives, and providing psychological counseling and social support can help improve treatment outcomes and quality of life. Through comprehensive medical and psychological interventions, help patients achieve full recovery.