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Do cholecystitis and gallbladder stones require surgery?

Jan 13, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
Whether surgery is needed for cholecystitis mainly depends on the patient's specific condition. If it is acute cholecystitis, surgery may be required; however, if it is chronic cholecystitis, surgery may not be necessary. The need for surgery in cases of gallstones also depends on the specific clinical situation. If the patient's condition is mild, surgery is usually not required; however, if the patient experiences recurrent biliary colic, surgical intervention is necessary.

Whether surgery is required for cholecystitis mainly depends on the patient's specific condition. In cases of acute cholecystitis, surgery may be necessary. However, for chronic cholecystitis, surgery may not be needed. The necessity of surgery for gallbladder stones also depends on the specific condition. If the patient's condition is mild, surgery is usually unnecessary; however, if the patient experiences recurrent biliary colic, surgery is required. If discomfort occurs, seek medical attention promptly. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Is surgery required for cholecystitis?

If the patient has acute cholecystitis with severe symptoms such as gangrene or perforation of the gallbladder, or if conservative treatment proves ineffective, cholecystectomy is usually required. Surgery can effectively prevent further deterioration of the condition and relieve symptoms. Currently, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is widely used, as it involves minimal trauma and allows for rapid recovery.

However, for chronic cholecystitis, the treatment plan may vary depending on the patient's specific symptoms. Some patients may control their symptoms through dietary adjustments and medication, without requiring surgery.

2. Is surgery required for gallbladder stones?

If the patient has no obvious symptoms or only mild symptoms, and the gallstones are small and positioned such that they do not block the cystic duct or common bile duct, allowing normal bile flow, the need for surgical intervention is relatively low. A watchful waiting approach is recommended, along with symptom control through dietary adjustments and lifestyle modifications.

If gallbladder stones cause recurrent episodes of biliary colic during disease flares, long-term inflammation may lead to loss of gallbladder function or significant thickening of the gallbladder wall, severely affecting quality of life, or the pain becomes unbearable. In such cases, surgery can effectively remove the gallbladder and stones, prevent further disease progression, and reduce the occurrence of complications.

In daily life, a low-fat diet should be followed, with reduced intake of high-fat foods such as fried foods and animal offal. At the same time, consumption of foods rich in dietary fiber, such as vegetables and fruits, should be increased to promote intestinal motility and reduce bile stasis.

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Can patients with cholecystitis drink lemon water?
In general, patients with cholecystitis can drink lemon water, as long as it is consumed in moderation. When preparing lemon water, use warm water and avoid making it too concentrated to prevent irritation of the gastric mucosa, which may cause stomach discomfort and indirectly affect the gallbladder. If the condition is in an acute phase accompanied by symptoms such as abdominal pain and vomiting, lemon water should be temporarily avoided until symptoms subside, after which it may be cautiously reintroduced.
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Can patients with cholecystitis eat pine nuts?
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What are the risks of having gallbladder polyps?
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