Treating Gallstones
Treating Gallstones
The gallbladder is an organ that stores bile. This is a substance that helps with digestion. Deposits in bile can clump together, creating hard, pebble-like stones. These gallstones may not cause any symptoms. In most cases, gallstones have no symptoms. In some cases, though, they irritate the walls of the gallbladder. Or they can block flow of bile out of the gallbladder. If they fall into the common bile duct, stones can block the flow of bile into the small bowel. This can lead to jaundice, pain, or serious infection. Stones are treated only if you have symptoms. If treatment is needed, your healthcare provider will discuss your choices with you. The most common treatments are listed below.
Medicine
Medicines to dissolve gallstones don't really work well and you may have to be on them for a long time to work. They work best for small stones. But, once the medicine is stopped, the gallstones usually build up again.
ERCP
ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) is an outpatient procedure that needs heavy sedation to remove stones. It uses a thin tube with video and X-rays to locate stones blocking the flow of bile. The stones are then removed. ERCP may be done alone. Or it may be used before surgery is done to remove the gallbladder.
Surgery
A cholecystectomy is an operation to remove the gallbladder and its contents (gallstones). Today, most cholecystectomies are done laparoscopically. This means using several very small abdominal incisions. Cholecystectomy may also be done with the traditional single, larger incision.
Prevent future symptoms
After treatment, follow a low-fat diet as directed. This diet includes lean meats, lean poultry, and fish. Stay away from full-fat dairy products. And limit vegetable oils. Read food labels to be sure they’re low in fat.
Citations
Web Site Citation
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/gallstones/ 2019-03-28 National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Gallstones Gallstones - National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.pdf
Web Site Citation
http://www.uptodate.com.erl.lib.byu.edu/contents/approach-to-the-patient-with-incidental-gallstones?topicKey=GAST%2F673&elapsedTimeMs=0&source=search_result&searchTerm=gallstones&selectedTitle=1~150&view=print&displayedView=full# 2019-03-28 UpToDate Approach to the management of gallstones Approach to the patient with incidental gallstones.pdf
Web Site Citation
http://www.uptodate.com.erl.lib.byu.edu/contents/uncomplicated-gallstone-disease-in-adults?topicKey=GAST%2F654&elapsedTimeMs=0&source=search_result&searchTerm=gallstones&selectedTitle=3~150&view=print&displayedView=full# 2019-03-28 UpToDate Overview of gallstone disease in adults Uncomplicated gallstone disease in adults.pdf
Updated:
December 24, 2019
Sources:
Approach to the patient with incidental gallstones. UpToDate, Dissolution therapy for the treatment of gallstones. UpToDate, Patient Information: Gallstones (Beyond the Basics). UpToDate, Patient selection for the nonsurgical treatment of gallstone disease. UpToDate, Uncomplicated gallstone disease in adults. UpToDate
Reviewed By:
Jen Lehrer MD,Kenny Turley PA-C,L Renee Watson MSN RN