Gallstones Treatment

Gallstones may cause no signs or symptoms. If a gallstone lodges in a duct and causes a blockage, the resulting signs, and symptoms may include sudden and rapidly intensifying pain in the center of your abdomen, back pain between your shoulder blades, pain in your right shoulder, nausea, or vomiting. Most people with gallstones that don't cause symptoms will never need treatment. Diagnostic tests include abdominal ultrasound, endoscopic ultrasound, and other imaging tests. The physician will determine if treatment for gallstones is indicated based on your symptoms and the results of diagnostic testing.

There are varied treatment options for gallstones. It includes:
Surgery to remove the gallbladder (cholecystectomy)- Because gallstones tend to return, your doctor might suggest having your gallbladder surgically removed. After your gallbladder is removed, bile does not stay in your gallbladder but instead travels straight from your liver into your small intestine.

Your gallbladder is not necessary for survival, and removing it won't impair your ability to process food; nonetheless, it may result in diarrhea, which is typically just momentary.

Medications to dissolve gallstones-Oral medications have the potential to dissolve gallstones. However, it can take months or even years of treatment to completely dissolve your gallstones, and if you stop taking your medication, they'll probably come back.

Endoscopic gallbladder stenting- This is another nonsurgical approach to treat gallstones. It is useful in treating high-risk patients who cannot undergo surgery, usually due to an illness. During this procedure, your doctor performs an ERCP and inserts a stent from the gallbladder to the duodenum. The stent relieves biliary symptoms and complications.