Treatment for Gallstones

Treatment for Gallstones

If silent stones are discovered in individuals over 65 years, the chance of developing symptoms is only 20 per cent ( or less). Such cases do not require any treatment. In young individuals, treatment should be considered even for silent gallstones because the chances of developing symptoms are higher. Once the symptoms begin, treatment is a must since recurrences are likely and complications may also occur. 

Surgery to Remove the Gall Bladder ( Cholecystectomy )

Cholecystectomy ( removal of the gall bladder surgically) is the standard treatment for stones in the gall bladder. People can live normally without a gall bladder and do not need a change in diet or a special diet. Digestion is not affected. When the gall bladder is removed, the liver continues to make bile. Instead of being stored in the gall bladder, however, the bile flows directly into the small intestine. Problems following removal of the gall bladder are few. Chronic diarrhoea occurs in approximately 10 per cent of patients. 

Laparoscopic Surgery

It is also called 'minimally invasive' because the incisions are very small. Patients have to stay in the hospital for 1-2 days only. They can start eating a normal diet a day after surgery and can resume normal activities 3-5 days after surgery. Scars of laparoscopic cholecystectomy are very small and barely visible. 

Traditional 'Open' Surgery

The gall bladder is removed through a 5-8 inch incision in the abdomen just below the ribs. Open gall bladder surgery is used mainly on patients who have gall bladder infections, internal scar tissue from previous abdominal operations, or other problems that make laparoscopic surgery unsuitable. With open surgery patients have to stay in the hospital for 5-7 days and require at least two weeks of rest before resuming normal activities. 
If a gallstone is stuck in the hepatic or common bile ducts, removal of the gallbladder alone would not cure the disease. Rather, it would leave the ducts blocked by the stone, and symptoms would continue. Therefore, in these cases, ERCP is used to remove the gallstones from the duct and then the gall bladder is removed. 

Gallstones
Formation of Gallstones
Symptoms of Gallstones
Diagnosis for Gallstones
Treatment for Gallstones
Medications for Gallstones