Do gallstones need to be removed?

Written by Liu Wu Cai
Hepatobiliary Surgery
Updated on September 09, 2024
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Whether or not gallstones need to be removed depends mainly on whether there are symptoms and the size of the stones. For patients with gallstones smaller than four centimeters, they generally do not exhibit obvious symptoms and do not require special treatment. They can have regular follow-up ultrasound exams to dynamically observe any changes in the condition. Of course, they should avoid spicy and irritating foods in their diet to reduce inflammatory stimuli, which is beneficial in controlling the condition. For patients with larger gallstones, who repeatedly experience discomfort and pain in the upper right abdomen, it is necessary to remove the gallbladder through surgery to achieve a cure. The preferred method of surgery is laparoscopic cholecystectomy, as it has the advantages of a smaller incision, less damage, and quicker recovery.

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Written by Liu Wu Cai
Hepatobiliary Surgery
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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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Written by Jiang Zhen Hui
Hepatobiliary Surgery
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Can ERCP remove gallbladder stones?

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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Written by Liu Wu Cai
Hepatobiliary Surgery
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How should gallstones be treated?

The treatment of gallstones primarily depends on whether symptoms are present. For patients with relatively small gallstones, they usually do not experience significant discomfort and do not require special treatment. Regular ultrasonic re-examinations to monitor changes in size are recommended. Daily dietary intake should avoid spicy and stimulating foods, and foods high in cholesterol. For patients with larger gallstones, recurrent right upper abdominal pain and biliary colic may occur, so early surgical intervention is advised. Only through surgical removal of the gallbladder can a complete cure be achieved, with laparoscopic cholecystectomy being the main method of surgery.

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Written by Liu Wu Cai
Hepatobiliary Surgery
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How to treat gallstones?

For the treatment of gallbladder stones, the approach mainly depends on whether there are symptoms or not. For patients with asymptomatic gallstones, which are relatively small in size, they are often found during ultrasonography and do not require special treatment. Regular follow-up ultrasonography is conducted to dynamically observe changes in size. Of course, diet should also avoid spicy and stimulating foods to reduce inflammatory stimulation and avoid foods high in cholesterol and fats, focusing on a light diet, which can alleviate symptom flare-ups and control the condition. For patients with larger gallstones who often experience discomfort and pain in the upper right abdomen, early surgical treatment should be pursued, as surgery is the only way to achieve a cure and can significantly improve the patient's quality of life.

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Written by Liu Wu Cai
Hepatobiliary Surgery
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What is good to eat for gallstones?

Patients with gallbladder stones should primarily observe the following dietary guidelines: First, it is particularly important for patients with gallbladder stones to avoid spicy and stimulating foods such as chili peppers, barbecues, and garlic. A diet primarily composed of mild foods, supplemented by fresh vegetables and fruits, can better control the onset of the condition. Second, patients with gallbladder stones can also appropriately include protein-rich foods such as eggs, lean meats, and fish in their diet to enhance their immunity. Third, patients with gallbladder stones should avoid foods high in cholesterol and fats, such as animal offal and fatty meats. These foods might cause the stones to increase in size and lead to recurrent right upper abdominal pain and discomfort, thus requiring attention.