Treatment of gallstones

There are many treatments for gallstones, mainly including medication, non-surgical treatment and surgical treatment, which are selected according to the severity of the disease and personal health status. In the early stage, patients with mild symptoms may consider medication and dietary adjustments, while severe cases usually require surgical intervention.

Drug therapy is suitable for patients with early gallstones and mild symptoms. Oral litholytic drugs such as ursodeoxycholic acid can help dissolve some gallstones, but the course of treatment is long and only effective for a small number of patients. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, a non-surgical treatment, uses high-energy shock waves to break up gallstones. It is suitable for patients with stones of specific locations and sizes. Postoperative choledochoscopy can further remove the fragments. However, this method may lead to incomplete removal of the fragments and bile duct damage. For patients with obvious symptoms or recurrent gallstones, surgery is a common and effective option. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is widely used because of its low trauma and quick recovery. The gallbladder is removed through a small incision, and patients can usually resume normal activities a few days after surgery.

Patients in the recovery period should pay attention to a reasonable diet. Low-fat foods such as fish, chicken and tofu are good choices, which help reduce the burden of bile secretion and prevent the formation of new stones. In order to avoid excessive bile duct pressure caused by constipation, it is important to increase the intake of dietary fiber, such as eating more green leafy vegetables and whole wheat bread. Daily exercise is also necessary for the prevention of gallstones. At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, such as brisk walking and swimming, can help increase physical strength and promote the smooth discharge of bile. If symptoms recur or worsen, please consult a specialist in time to choose the most suitable treatment plan. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can not only help recovery, but also effectively reduce the risk of recurrence.