How to diagnose gallstones

The diagnosis of gallstones usually requires a combination of imaging examinations and clinical symptoms. The main examination methods include ultrasound, CT scan and magnetic resonance cholangiography.

Ultrasound examination is a non-invasive examination method with no radiation. It can quickly and accurately detect gallstones and is the preferred examination method in clinical practice. If ultrasound examination indicates high echo points or acoustic shadows in the gallbladder, it may be gallstones. CT scan is suitable for examining bile duct stones. Through detailed imaging of the abdomen, it can help accurately locate the stones. Magnetic resonance cholangiography is a radiation-free examination method suitable for the evaluation of complex bile duct stones, especially complex cases related to cholangitis, pancreatitis, etc.

After understanding the exact condition, different treatments can help relieve symptoms or completely solve the problem. For small and asymptomatic stones, they can be observed through dietary adjustments and regular checkups. A low-fat diet can reduce the cholesterol content in bile, thereby reducing the chance of stone formation. Maintaining a moderate amount of exercise can help promote metabolism and prevent bile retention. If the symptoms are severe or recurrent, stone dissolution can be achieved through drug treatment, such as ursodeoxycholic acid. However, it should be clear that this method has limited effect and requires long-term medication. Surgery is the most thorough treatment method, especially for patients with severe pain, recurrent infections, or stones complicated by gallbladder polyps. Common surgeries include cholecystectomy, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) stone removal, and minimally invasive cholecystectomy.

Regardless of the treatment you choose, regular checkups and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are essential to ensure the effectiveness of treatment and prevent the recurrence of stones. At the same time, when choosing a treatment method, you should fully consider your physical condition and the doctor's advice to avoid the risks and side effects caused by improper treatment. Remember, health is something we need to pay attention to and maintain at all times. Timely medical treatment and reasonable treatment are key steps to maintaining health.