Can gallstones be passed out?

Generally, whether gallstones can be expelled depends on the size and location of the stone, as well as the patient's specific symptoms and complications. If discomfort occurs—such as abdominal pain, jaundice, or fever—it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly; self-treatment should be avoided to prevent potential risks. Detailed analysis is as follows:

If the stone is smaller than 0.5 cm in diameter, located in the cystic duct or bile duct, and the patient has no obvious symptoms such as severe abdominal pain or fever, and there are no complications like biliary strictures, spontaneous expulsion may be possible. These small stones may passively move with bile flow through the bile duct into the intestine and eventually be excreted in feces. However, close monitoring of physical responses is still necessary during this process.

If the stone is larger than 1 cm in diameter, or located in critical areas such as the neck of the gallbladder or intrahepatic bile ducts, and the patient experiences recurrent abdominal pain, jaundice, biliary infection, or complications such as biliary obstruction, natural expulsion is unlikely. Larger stones are prone to become lodged in narrow sections of the bile duct, causing biliary obstruction, worsening the condition, and potentially triggering serious complications such as pancreatitis.

Regardless of whether expulsion is possible, regular ultrasound examinations are essential to monitor changes in the stones. Maintain a low-fat diet daily, avoid overeating, and reduce the frequency of gallbladder contractions. If symptoms such as worsening abdominal pain, fever, or jaundice occur, prompt medical care is necessary. Do not blindly wait for the stone to pass, as this may delay appropriate treatment.