Is a 14mm gallstone considered large?
Nov 03, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Gao Jun
Introduction
A 14mm gallstone is considered relatively large, with a low probability of spontaneous passage and an increased risk of complications; therefore, close attention and adherence to medical advice for proper management are essential. In daily life, maintain a low-fat diet, reduce intake of organ meats and fried foods, avoid overeating, and ensure regular作息 (daily routines) and moderate exercise to minimize abnormal gallbladder contractions.
Generally, a 14mm gallstone is considered relatively large. Such stones have a low probability of passing naturally and carry a risk of complications, requiring close attention and management according to medical advice. The detailed analysis is as follows:
Clinically, gallstones with a diameter exceeding 10mm are typically classified as large. A 14mm gallstone exceeds the diameter of the cystic duct and cannot pass through it spontaneously. Attempting to pass such a stone may lead to bile duct obstruction, causing serious complications such as cholangitis, jaundice, or even pancreatitis, thereby increasing treatment difficulty.
If a 14mm gallstone does not cause symptoms such as abdominal pain or indigestion, regular ultrasound monitoring of the stone size and gallbladder wall condition is recommended, usually every 6–12 months. However, if symptoms such as right upper abdominal pain or nausea occur, or if the stone is accompanied by gallbladder wall thickening or cholecystitis, timely evaluation for possible surgical intervention is necessary to prevent disease progression.
In daily life, maintaining a low-fat diet, reducing intake of organ meats and fried foods, avoiding overeating, and adhering to regular作息 (sleep-wake cycles) and moderate exercise can help reduce abnormal gallbladder contractions and lower the likelihood of symptom onset, thus supporting healthy gallbladder function.
