Can ERCP remove gallbladder stones?

Written by Jiang Zhen Hui

Hepatobiliary Surgery

Updated on September 27, 2024

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ERCP is currently being explored by some hospitals in China for the removal of gallstones. It involves inserting a tube through the lower part of the gallbladder to remove the gallstones. However, we generally do not recommend using ERCP for gallstone removal because if it becomes necessary to remove the stones, the gallbladder must be cut open, which can easily lead to complications such as suppurative cholecystitis. Currently, the most common method for removing gallstones is laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which, of course, requires mature surgical skills and relatively has fewer complications.

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Clinical manifestations of gallstones

Clinical manifestations of gallbladder stones: 1. Patients often experience abdominal pain after a full meal or when eating greasy food. 2. Patients may experience upper abdominal pain, bloating, belching, and regurgitation after consuming a high-fat diet in excess, or during periods of stress or poor rest. These symptoms are often misdiagnosed as stomach disorders. When gallstones chronically press against and block the gallbladder ducts without causing an infection, the gallbladder mucosa absorbs bile pigments and secretes mucinous substances, leading to the accumulation of fluid in the gallbladder. This fluid is usually clear and colorless, commonly referred to as white bile.

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What should not be eaten with gallstones?

Patients with gallstones should primarily avoid spicy and stimulating foods, such as chili peppers, barbecue, and garlic, to reduce inflammation. They should also avoid foods high in fats and cholesterol, such as animal organs and fatty meats. For patients with gallstones, the diet should mainly consist of light and mild foods, and include plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits to lessen the burden on the gallbladder and reduce the frequency of symptoms. If a patient with gallstones repeatedly experiences discomfort or pain in the upper right abdomen, it is necessary to consider surgical removal of the gallbladder at an early stage. Surgery is the only definitive treatment to improve the quality of life for these patients, and diet still needs to be carefully managed post-surgery.

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What will happen if gallstones worsen?

For patients with gallstones, if exacerbation occurs, they will exhibit significant pain in the upper right abdomen, and may even experience radiating pain in the right shoulder, scapular area, and back, severely affecting the quality of life. Some patients may also experience nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distension among other gastrointestinal symptoms. Thus, patients with these symptoms should undergo surgery as soon as possible. The primary treatment for gallstones is laparoscopic cholecystectomy, as it has the advantages of a small incision, minimal injury, and faster recovery, making it often the first choice in clinical settings. Additionally, it is still necessary for postoperative patients to avoid spicy and irritating foods to reduce inflammation and better facilitate recovery from the condition.

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Hepatobiliary Surgery

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Gallbladder stones minimally invasive surgery, how long before getting out of bed?

How soon a patient with gallbladder stones can get out of bed and move around after minimally invasive surgery mainly depends on their recovery post-operation. For patients with gallbladder stones, the primary surgical method chosen is laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Due to the small incisions, minimal damage, and faster recovery associated with laparoscopy, it is often the preferred choice in clinical settings. Generally, patients can start moving around about five days post-surgery. However, in cases where patients have other underlying conditions, such as malnutrition, hypoproteinemia, or heart failure, the healing time may be extended. In such cases, it could take about half a month before they can move around. Therefore, the specific time when a patient can get out of bed and move around should be analyzed based on individual medical conditions.

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Can I eat before a gallbladder stone examination?

Before checking for gallstones, one should not eat, as the main methods of examination are through color ultrasound and CT scans, which can better lead to a diagnosis. Both color ultrasound and CT scans require fasting because eating can cause the stomach to fill, potentially resulting in artifacts that hinder the observation of the condition. Therefore, patients with gallstones need to fast before the examination. The approach to treatment depends on the presence of symptoms and the size of the stones. For large gallstones that cause recurrent episodes, early surgical treatment should be considered. Only by surgically removing the gallbladder can a definitive cure be achieved, which can significantly improve the prognosis for the patient.