How to treat gallstones with surgery

Gallstone surgery is one of the main means of treating gallstones, especially for patients with severe symptoms or a high risk of complications. Common gallstone surgeries include laparoscopic cholecystectomy, open cholecystectomy, and percutaneous gallbladder puncture and drainage. The choice of surgical method should be based on the patient's condition, stone size and distribution, physical condition and other factors and should be performed under the guidance of a doctor.

1. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the most widely used surgical method for gallstones. The gallbladder is removed using laparoscopic techniques through several small incisions in the abdomen.

Suitable for most patients with gallstones, especially those with impaired gallbladder function or recurrent attacks.

Advantages: less trauma, quick recovery, mild postoperative pain, short postoperative hospitalization time, usually discharge from the hospital within 3-5 days.

Note: After the operation, you need to eat a light diet, avoid excessively greasy food, and observe for complications such as infection and abdominal distension.

2. Open cholecystectomy

Open surgery is suitable for patients who cannot undergo laparoscopic surgery or have complicated medical conditions, such as severe pericholecystic inflammation, gallbladder perforation, or suspected tumors.

Suitable for: patients with larger stones and complex gallbladder lesions.

Advantages: clear vision, easy to handle complex situations.

Disadvantages: greater trauma, slower recovery, and longer postoperative hospitalization time, generally 7-10 days.

3. Percutaneous gallbladder drainage

For critically ill patients who are not suitable for surgery (such as elderly patients or those in poor general condition), percutaneous gallbladder puncture and drainage is a temporary or palliative treatment.

Suitable for: patients with acute cholecystitis and those who cannot tolerate surgery.

Advantages: Simple operation, can quickly relieve gallbladder pressure and reduce the risk of infection.

Limitations: It is only a palliative treatment and cannot eradicate stones. Further surgical treatment is still required in the later stage.

Postoperative recovery and care advice

1. Diet adjustment: After the operation, eat a low-fat, easily digestible diet, avoid greasy, high-cholesterol foods, and gradually resume a normal diet.

2. Moderate activity: Get out of bed and move around appropriately after surgery to promote intestinal motility and body recovery, but avoid strenuous exercise.

3. Regular check-ups: Pay attention to the healing of the incision after surgery and go to the hospital for regular check-ups to ensure good recovery.

Kind tips

Although surgical treatment of gallstones can effectively relieve symptoms, you still need to pay attention to the health of the bile duct system after surgery to avoid recurrence of problems. If you have symptoms related to gallstones, you should see a doctor as soon as possible and choose the appropriate treatment according to the doctor's advice. Healthy eating habits and moderate exercise are the key to preventing the recurrence of stones.