Is surgery necessary for bile duct stones?

Bile duct stones do not always require surgery, and the choice depends on the location of the stone, its size, and the severity of the symptoms it causes. For asymptomatic stones, your doctor may recommend regular observation rather than immediate surgical intervention.

Bile duct stones are solid particles of cholesterol and calcium salts in bile that accumulate in the bile ducts. Bile is a digestive fluid produced by the liver, and the bile ducts are the passages through which bile flows from the liver to the gallbladder and small intestine. Stones can block the bile ducts, preventing bile from flowing smoothly and causing a range of problems. Common symptoms include upper abdominal pain, jaundice, and fever. In more severe cases, infection or inflammation of the bile ducts may occur.

There are many different ways to treat bile duct stones, and they vary from person to person. For small stones that do not require intervention, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, such as reducing high-fat, high-cholesterol foods and increasing fiber intake, can help reduce the chance of stone formation. Medical interventions include non-surgical ERCP (endoscopic retrograde pancreaticocholangiopancreatography) or ESWL (extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy) to remove smaller stones. Larger stones or recurring conditions usually require surgical intervention, the most common of which is cholecystectomy or bile duct exploration.

If bile duct stones cause pain, fever, or other obvious symptoms, it is particularly important to seek medical attention promptly. Listen to the doctor's diagnosis and follow his or her recommendations for appropriate examinations and treatments. Paying attention to your diet, keeping your weight within a healthy range, and having regular physical examinations can help prevent the formation of bile duct stones. Maintaining good living habits can not only relieve current discomfort, but also help reduce the risk of future stones.