How can gallstones be expelled from the body?

Dec 23, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Gao Jun

Introduction

Gallstone formation may be caused by dietary habits, genetic predisposition, obesity, biliary tract infections, diabetes, and other factors. Treatment typically includes lifestyle modifications, medication, and, when necessary, surgical intervention. In daily life, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, improve dietary habits, engage in appropriate physical exercise, enhance physical fitness, and reduce the risk of disease.

The formation of gallstones may be caused by dietary habits, genetic predisposition, obesity, biliary tract infections, diabetes, and other factors. Treatment typically includes lifestyle modifications, medication, and surgical intervention when necessary. If any abnormalities occur, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Dietary Habits: Long-term consumption of high-fat and high-cholesterol foods, as well as irregular eating patterns, may lead to cholesterol supersaturation in bile, thereby forming gallstones. It is necessary to adjust dietary structure, reduce intake of high-fat and high-cholesterol foods, increase dietary fiber intake, and maintain regular eating habits.

2. Genetic Predisposition: Individuals with a family history of gallstones may have a higher risk of developing gallstones. This may be related to the influence of genetic factors on bile composition. Regular monitoring of gallbladder status is recommended, with prevention through lifestyle modifications and medication. Surgical treatment may be considered when necessary.

3. Obesity: Obese individuals may experience increased cholesterol levels in bile due to excessive fat accumulation in the body, thereby increasing the risk of gallstone formation. This may be accompanied by overweight, metabolic abnormalities, and other conditions. Weight management is advised through dietary adjustments and increased physical activity to reduce fat accumulation.

4. Biliary Tract Infections: Pathogens causing biliary tract infections, such as Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, may trigger biliary inflammation, leading to changes in bile composition and promoting gallstone formation, accompanied by symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever, and jaundice. Anti-infective treatment is required, with medications such as Cefazolin Sodium for injection, Acyclovir tablets, and Fluconazole tablets prescribed by a physician to eliminate biliary tract inflammation. Surgery may also be considered depending on the status of the gallstones.

5. Diabetes: Diabetes may be associated with factors such as genetic predisposition and obesity. Patients with diabetes may develop metabolic disturbances due to insufficient insulin secretion or insulin resistance, thereby affecting bile composition and increasing the risk of gallstone formation, accompanied by symptoms such as hyperglycemia, polydipsia, and polyuria. Treatment may include medications such as Metformin Hydrochloride tablets, Gliclazide modified-release tablets, and Repaglinide tablets, used according to medical advice to control the condition.

In daily life, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, improving dietary habits, engaging in appropriate physical exercise, enhancing physical fitness, and reducing the risk of diseases are recommended.

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What are the ultrasound findings of gallstones?

In general, gallstones—solid crystalline substances formed within the gallbladder—appear on B-mode ultrasound as hyperechoic masses with posterior acoustic shadowing, mobility with changes in body position, gallbladder wall alterations, and abnormal bile transmission within the gallbladder. Patients are advised to maintain a low-fat diet, avoid overeating, and minimize stimulation of gallbladder contraction. Regular follow-up gallbladder ultrasounds are recommended to closely monitor the size of the stones.

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Which is more serious: gallbladder polyps or gallstones?

It is not possible to directly determine which is more severe between gallbladder polyps and gallstones, as both conditions can be benign and low-risk in some cases, yet both also carry the potential to cause serious complications. The key factor lies in the specific characteristics of the lesion and whether complications have developed. Both gallbladder polyps and gallstones may lead to significant health problems; the crucial aspect is early detection, early diagnosis, and timely treatment.

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Is there still a gallbladder after gallstone surgery?

Whether the gallbladder remains after gallstone surgery depends on the type of procedure performed. If a cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal) was done, the gallbladder is no longer present after surgery. However, if a gallbladder-preserving stone extraction procedure was performed, the gallbladder is retained. Therefore, the key factor determining whether the gallbladder remains after gallstone surgery is whether the gallbladder was preserved during the operation. Regardless of the type of surgery, patients should follow their doctor's recommendations regarding dietary adjustments and regular follow-up examinations to support recovery.

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Where is the incision made for gallstone surgery?

In general, the surgical incision site for gallstones is determined based on the surgical approach and the patient's specific condition. Common incision sites include below the right upper abdominal rib margin, mid-upper abdomen, laparoscopic port sites in the right upper abdomen, the umbilicus, and below the xiphoid process. Ultimately, the choice of incision site must be decided by the physician, taking into account factors such as the size and location of the stones, the degree of gallbladder inflammation, and the selected surgical method.