Are gallbladder stones the same as gallstones?

Sep 18, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Gao Jun

Introduction

In general, gallbladder stones and bile duct stones are not exactly the same. "Bile duct stones" is a general term that includes gallbladder stones, which are the most common type of biliary stone. The two differ in terms of conceptual scope and site of occurrence. In daily life, regardless of whether it is gallbladder stones or other types of biliary stones, a light diet should be maintained.

Generally speaking, gallbladder stones and gallstones are not exactly the same. "Gallstones" is a general term that includes gallbladder stones, while gallbladder stones represent the most common type of gallstone. There are differences between the two in terms of conceptual scope and site of occurrence. The specific analysis is as follows:

In terms of conceptual scope, gallstones refer to stones that occur within the biliary system, which includes the gallbladder, intrahepatic bile ducts, and extrahepatic bile ducts. In contrast, gallbladder stones specifically refer to stones located within the gallbladder and represent only one type of gallstone. Gallstones cover a broader range, and gallbladder stones are a subset of gallstones; therefore, the two should not be considered entirely equivalent.

Regarding site of occurrence and clinical impact, gallbladder stones primarily reside within the gallbladder and may cause symptoms such as cholecystitis and biliary colic. Other types of gallstones may be located in the intrahepatic or extrahepatic bile ducts. Besides causing abdominal pain, they can also lead to bile duct obstruction, jaundice, and other complications, and their treatment approaches differ from those for gallbladder stones.

In daily life, whether it's gallbladder stones or other types of gallstones, it's important to maintain a light diet, avoid high-fat and high-cholesterol foods, and reduce the risk of stone enlargement or symptom flare-ups.

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What are the treatment methods for dissolving gallstones?

Gallbladder stones are a common gallbladder disease, primarily caused by factors such as excessive cholesterol and bile pigments in the bile, and the gallbladder's inability to empty completely. Patients may experience symptoms such as upper abdominal pain and pancreatitis. Treatments for dissolving gallbladder stones generally include conservative management, contact dissolution, medication use, percutaneous gallbladder puncture with dissolution, and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy.

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How to eliminate gallbladder polyps

In general, gallbladder polyps may be caused by factors such as excessive consumption of greasy foods, long-term late nights and irregular作息 (作息乱 should be "irregular作息" but the term "作息" doesn't have a direct translation and is often used to refer to daily routines or作息规律 refers to regular daily routines), chronic gallbladder inflammation, gallbladder stones accompanied by polyps, or abnormal cholesterol metabolism. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition under a doctor's guidance through general treatment, medication, surgical treatment, or other appropriate methods.

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Do cholecystitis and gallbladder stones require surgery?

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.