Do gallbladder polyps require surgery?

Sep 28, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Gao Jun

Introduction

In general, whether surgery is needed for gallbladder polyps depends on the size of the polyp, presence of symptoms, and risk of malignant transformation. Surgery is usually recommended for larger polyps, those causing symptoms, or those with a high risk of malignancy. Polyps that are small, asymptomatic, and low-risk typically do not require surgical intervention. In daily care, it is important to maintain a light diet and reduce intake of high-fat and high-cholesterol foods.

Generally, whether surgery is needed for gallbladder polyps depends on the size of the polyp, presence of symptoms, and risk of malignant transformation. Surgery is recommended for larger polyps, those causing symptoms, or those with a high risk of becoming cancerous, while small, asymptomatic polyps with low malignancy risk usually do not require surgical intervention. The detailed analysis is as follows:

If the gallbladder polyp has a diameter exceeding 1 cm or shows rapid growth over a short period; if the patient experiences discomfort such as right upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, affecting daily life; or if the polyp is identified as an adenomatous type, surgical treatment is recommended. Removing the gallbladder in such cases can prevent malignant transformation or relieve symptoms, thereby reducing health risks.

If the gallbladder polyp is smaller than 1 cm, remains stable over time, causes no symptoms, and is of a low-risk type such as cholesterol polyps, surgery is typically unnecessary. In these cases, regular ultrasound monitoring is sufficient, avoiding unnecessary interventions and the physical burden associated with surgery.

In daily care, it's important to maintain a light diet, reduce intake of high-fat and high-cholesterol foods such as organ meats and fried foods; eat regular meals, avoid overeating or prolonged fasting to reduce strain on the gallbladder.

View All

What are the dietary recommendations for gallbladder polyps?

In general, the diet for gallbladder polyps should focus on low-fat, low-cholesterol foods that support gallbladder function. Suitable foods include winter melon, oats, steamed sea bass, kiwi fruit, and olive oil. To avoid unnecessary harm to the body, it is recommended to develop a personalized dietary plan under the guidance of a healthcare professional. During dietary management, pay attention to developing healthy lifestyle habits.

View Full Answer

What medication can control gallbladder polyps?

In general, gallbladder polyps are mostly benign. Some medications may help control the condition by improving the gallbladder environment and reducing inflammation. Patients may use medications such as ursodeoxycholic acid capsules, cefuroxime axetil tablets, metronidazole tablets, anti-inflammatory and gallbladder tablets, or Jin Dan tablets under medical guidance. It is also important to maintain regular eating habits and avoid high-fat and high-cholesterol foods in daily life.

View Full Answer

Can gallbladder polyps undergo polyp removal surgery while preserving the gallbladder?

In general, whether polyps in the gallbladder can be treated with gallbladder-preserving polypectomy depends on the characteristics of the polyps. This procedure may be considered for polyps smaller than 1 cm in diameter, that are asymptomatic, and in cases where gallbladder function is normal. However, for polyps larger than 1 cm, those with potential malignant transformation, or when gallbladder function is abnormal, this surgery is not recommended and cholecystectomy is usually required.

View Full Answer

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.