Can gallbladder stones be removed without surgery?

Yes, if the gallstones are smaller, they can be dissolved with medications that contain bile acids, like chenodiol (Chenix) and ursodiol (Actigall). However, this method is rarely used compared to surgical removal.

How do you flush stones from the bladder?

Drinking plenty of water and fluids can help flush small gallstones from the gallbladder.

How is gallbladder stone removed?

Symptomatic gallbladder stones are typically removed through a surgical procedure known as cholecystectomy, where the gallbladder is removed.

Can you live without a gallbladder?

Yes, the gallbladder is not essential for life. After surgical removal (cholecystectomy), bile flows directly from the liver to the small intestine.

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06-August-2024 Team Medicover Gastroenterology

What are Gallstones and How Do They Form?

Gallstones are deposits of bile that have solidified and can occur in an individual's gallbladder. Bile is a digestive fluid created by the liver and kept in reserve in the gallbladder.

Your gallbladder contracts as you eat, releasing bile into your duodenum, the small intestine. It's unlikely that gallstones will give you any issues.

Many people do not even realise they have them. However, if gallstones begin to move through your biliary tract and become lodged in one place, they can become deadly.

They may cause discomfort and significant difficulties by obstructing your bile tract.

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What are the Symptoms of Gallstones?

Gallstones may not present symptoms, but blockages in a duct caused by gallstones can cause various indications and symptoms.

An unexpected and quickly growing discomfort in the middle of your belly, directly below your breastbone
Abdominal ache in the upper right corner that starts suddenly and gets worse quickly
right shoulder pain.
back ache in the space between your shoulders
Nausea and Vomiting

What Factors Increase the Risk of Gallstones?

Here are the gallstone disease risk factors:

The risk of gallstones is 10 times higher in those who are forty years old or older.
Gallstones caused by cholesterol are strongly correlated with modernised eating.
One of the most critical risk factors for gallstone disease is gender. Women are at more risk than men.
Decreased exercise increases the danger.
Another well-known risk factor for gallstones is obesity, which has a favourable correlation with body mass index (BMI).
Gallstone disease frequently co-occurs with metabolic syndrome, dyslipidemia, diabetes, and insulin resistance/hyperinsulinemia.

What are the Treatment Options for Gallstones?

Your symptoms and the findings of diagnostic tests will help the doctor decide whether treatment for gallstones is necessary. The majority of persons with symptomless gallstones never require medical attention.

There are Several Ways to Treat Gallstones:

Cholecystectomy is the surgical removal of the gallbladder.
After the gallbladder is removed, bile does not stay in it but instead travels straight from the liver into the small intestine.
Your recovery period will be lengthier, and you'll often spend three to five days in the hospital. Recovery can take anywhere from four to six weeks.
Oral medications have the potential to dissolve gallstones.
It can take months or even years of treatment to dissolve your gallstones completely, and if you stop taking your medication, they'll probably come back.
The only persons who take medications for gallstones are those who are unable to have surgery.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy- involves making incisions in your abdomen to insert special surgical instruments and a tiny video camera.
Carbon dioxide gas is blown into your belly to make space for the surgeon to use surgical instruments.
Most people can resume their regular activities or their jobs in one to two weeks.
Usually, you can return home that same day, but occasionally, you might need to spend a night in the hospital.
When you are able to eat, drink, and walk without assistance, you should be ready to return home.

How can Maintain a Healthy Weight and Reduce the Risk of Gallstones?

Maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in regular physical activity can reduce your risk of gallstones. A balanced diet is also essential. It should include legumes, fruits, and peas, as well as whole grains, such as whole wheat bread, oats, and brown rice.

Consuming cashews or peanuts regularly
Consuming five servings or more of fresh fruit and vegetables per day
A diet moderate in calories, high in fibre, and low in fat and cholesterol
By consuming nutritious foods and engaging in regular physical activity, one can keep their weight at a healthy level.
Moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages
Dairy products with less fat
Wholesome fruits and veggies
Fish, poultry, and lean meat

What are the Possible Complications of Gallbladder Stones

Blockage of the bowel
Inflammation of the pancreas
Inflammation of the bile duct or gallbladder
Excessively big gallstones may raise the risk of bile duct and gallbladder cancer.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, if the gallstones are smaller, they can be dissolved on their own without any need for surgery.

Drinking lots of water and fluid intake can help in flushing small stones from the bladder.

Removal of the gallbladder is the treatment option for symptomatic gallbladder stones, as it is not an essential organ. The procedure is known as cholecystectomy.

Bile acid-containing medications, like chenodiol (Chenix) and ursodiol (Actigall), can dissolve tiny cholesterol stones. However, they are rarely used for gallbladder treatment.

Small gallstones may pass on their own, but larger ones often require medical treatment.

Yes, the gallbladder is not essential for life. After removal, bile flows directly from the liver to the small intestine.