Is gallstone surgery to remove the stones or gallbladder?

The choice of surgery for gallstones depends mainly on the severity of the condition: in most cases, the gallbladder is removed (cholecystectomy), because the gallbladder is the root cause of stone formation. Simply removing the stones cannot fundamentally solve the problem and is prone to recurrence.

The occurrence of gallstones is related to genetics, eating habits and metabolic disorders. Long-term stone stimulation may cause gallbladder inflammation, obstruction, and even induce gallbladder cancer. If the stones are small and asymptomatic, the doctor may recommend observation or conservative treatment, but once the stones cause pain, infection or gallbladder function damage, cholecystectomy is recommended in most cases. The surgical method is divided into traditional open surgery and minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery. The latter is more commonly used because of its less trauma and faster recovery. Only in special circumstances, such as when the patient cannot tolerate gallbladder removal surgery due to health reasons or has special needs, will the gallbladder be retained and the stones simply removed (cholecystotomy and lithotomy) be chosen, but this method has a high recurrence rate and may cause new health problems in the long term.

After surgery, patients need to pay attention to dietary adjustments, avoid high-fat, high-cholesterol foods, and gradually restore a normal diet. Removing the gallbladder will not significantly affect digestive function, but it may increase the risk of bile reflux, so you need to follow the doctor's advice and have regular checkups. For patients who have undergone surgery, the postoperative recovery period is usually 1-2 weeks. They should avoid strenuous exercise, focus on rest and nutritional intake, and maintain a good lifestyle to reduce the risk of postoperative complications. If you have symptoms related to stones, it is recommended to see a doctor as soon as possible to avoid delaying treatment.