Is surgery or conservative treatment better for gallstones?

Treatment for gallstones depends on the severity of your symptoms, the size of your gallstones, and your individual health. Most of the time, severe gallstone symptoms, such as severe abdominal pain, jaundice, or bile duct infection, often require surgery. Conversely, for asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic gallstones, your doctor may recommend conservative treatment to manage symptoms through changes in diet and lifestyle.

There are many reasons for the formation of gallstones, including genetic factors, eating habits, obesity and metabolic disorders. The most common treatment is laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which is less invasive and has a quick recovery. Oral litholytic drugs can also be used to dissolve cholesterol stones. For surgical treatment, the risk is low and the effect is significant, but it must be implemented after a doctor's evaluation. Conservative treatment focuses on dietary adjustments, such as reducing the intake of high-fat foods, increasing fiber-rich foods, and exercising appropriately to help the body metabolize stones. Some herbs and supplements such as milk thistle and fish oil are also thought to be potentially helpful in the management of gallstones.

There are many reasons for the formation of gallstones, including genetic factors, eating habits, obesity and metabolic disorders. The most common treatment is laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which is less invasive and has a quick recovery. Oral litholytic drugs can also be used to dissolve cholesterol stones. For surgical treatment, the risk is low and the effect is significant, but it must be implemented after a doctor's evaluation. Conservative treatment focuses on dietary adjustments, such as reducing the intake of high-fat foods, increasing fiber-rich foods, and exercising appropriately to help the body metabolize stones. Some herbs and supplements such as milk thistle and fish oil are also thought to be potentially helpful in the management of gallstones.

The choice of treatment should ultimately be based on the individual's specific situation, and should be evaluated and decided under the guidance of a professional doctor. Although surgery can effectively solve the problem, for patients who can solve it through conservative methods, appropriate adjustments to lifestyle can not only relieve symptoms but also improve overall health. No matter which option you choose, consulting a doctor is key to ensure that a suitable treatment plan is developed on a safe and healthy basis. At the same time, once serious symptoms such as persistent severe pain, fever, or yellowing of the skin or eyes occur, be sure to seek medical attention as soon as possible to avoid worsening of the condition. From the perspective of humanistic care, we encourage patients to trust the professional opinions of medical staff, actively cooperate with treatment, and move towards recovery.