Are gallstones and bile duct stones serious?
Dec 23, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Gao Jun
Introduction
In general, the severity of hepatobiliary calculi (liver and gallbladder stones) mainly depends on whether they are causing physical discomfort. Larger stones accompanied by symptoms are usually considered severe. Smaller stones that do not cause discomfort are generally not severe. If discomfort occurs, timely medical attention is recommended, along with symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance. Once hepatobiliary calculi are detected, patients should seek medical care promptly and receive professional treatment.
Generally, the severity of liver and bile duct stones mainly depends on whether they have caused physical discomfort. Stones that are large in size and accompanied by symptoms are usually considered serious. Conversely, small stones that do not cause discomfort are usually not serious. If discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended, and symptomatic treatment should be conducted under a doctor's guidance. Detailed analysis is as follows:
If the stones are large or located within the bile duct, causing bile duct obstruction and resulting in symptoms such as jaundice, abdominal pain, or fever, then the condition is considered severe. In such cases, treatments like endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for stone removal, cholecystectomy, or other relevant surgical procedures might be necessary.
If the liver and bile duct stones are small in diameter and have not caused any symptoms, the condition is generally considered not serious. Patients can adjust their dietary and lifestyle habits—for example, by increasing dietary fiber intake, drinking more water, and engaging in moderate exercise—to help prevent the growth or increase of stones.
Once liver and bile duct stones are detected, patients should seek timely medical attention and receive professional treatment to prevent further deterioration of the condition. Maintaining healthy lifestyle and dietary habits also helps in preventing liver and bile duct stones.
