Is it necessary to remove the gallbladder in surgical treatment of gallstones?

In general, there is no absolute requirement in surgical treatment of gallstones that the gallbladder must be removed. Whether or not the gallbladder needs to be removed during surgery for gallstones depends on the individual patient's condition and should be determined accordingly. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Not necessary

If a patient has only a few gallstones that are small in diameter and are not causing obvious symptoms, removal of the gallbladder may not be necessary. Treatment options may include extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, or medications prescribed by a doctor, such as metronidazole tablets, clindamycin tablets, or ursodeoxycholic acid tablets. Additionally, elderly patients or those in poor overall health may not be suitable candidates for cholecystectomy.

2. Necessary

Each person’s physical condition varies. If a patient's gallbladder has developed severe inflammation or atrophy, its function may already be completely or partially lost. In such cases, cholecystectomy may be necessary to prevent recurrence of stones and further deterioration of the condition.

If a patient experiences other discomforts related to gallstones, they should visit a正规 hospital to undergo appropriate examinations and obtain an accurate diagnosis under medical guidance before starting treatment, so as to avoid delays in managing the condition.