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Can gallstones heal on their own?

Sep 27, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Gao Jun
Introduction
In general, gallstones refer to stones formed in the gallbladder or bile ducts, primarily composed of deposited substances such as cholesterol or bilirubin. Whether gallstones can resolve spontaneously depends on the specific clinical circumstances, including the size and type of the stone, symptom presentation, and whether complications have developed. If discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended to avoid treatment delays. A detailed analysis is as follows:

Generally, gallstones refer to stones formed in the gallbladder or bile ducts, primarily composed of deposited substances such as cholesterol or bilirubin. Whether gallstones can heal spontaneously depends on specific clinical factors, including the size and type of the stone, symptom presentation, and whether complications have occurred. If discomfort arises, prompt medical consultation is recommended to avoid delayed treatment. The detailed analysis is as follows:

If the gallstone is very small in size, is a cholesterol-type stone, and causes no symptoms such as abdominal pain or nausea, and if no complications like cholecystitis or bile duct obstruction have developed, a minority of stones may slowly pass out with bile under conditions of long-term adherence to a low-fat diet, regular作息 (daily routine), and moderate exercise, potentially achieving spontaneous resolution. However, this scenario is extremely rare and requires continuous close monitoring.

If the gallstone is large, is of the pigment or mixed type, or if symptoms such as right upper quadrant abdominal pain and fever have already appeared—even leading to complications such as cholecystitis or jaundice—spontaneous healing is not possible. The stones will persist in the gallbladder or bile ducts; without intervention, symptoms may recur repeatedly, complication risks may increase, and liver and biliary function may be adversely affected.

In daily life, it's important to undergo regular abdominal ultrasound examinations to monitor changes in stone size and position; maintain a low-fat, light diet, avoiding fried and spicy foods to reduce irritation to the stones; seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as worsening abdominal pain, fever, or jaundice occur; avoid believing unproven "folk remedies" for stone removal, which may lead to bile duct obstruction due to improper attempts; and after diagnosis, follow medical advice regarding observation or treatment rather than waiting for spontaneous recovery, which could delay proper management.

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