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What are the methods for removing gallstones?

Nov 05, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Gao Jun
Introduction
Methods for removing gallstones include medication-based dissolution therapy, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, open cholecystectomy, endoscopic sphincterotomy with stone extraction, and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. The choice of treatment depends on the size and location of the stones as well as the patient's overall health condition. Appropriate management can effectively eliminate gallstones. If symptoms such as frequent biliary colic or jaundice occur, prompt medical attention is recommended.

Methods for eliminating gallstones include medical dissolution therapy, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, open cholecystectomy, endoscopic sphincterotomy with stone extraction, and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. The choice of treatment depends on the size, location of the stones, and the patient's overall health condition. Properly managed treatment can effectively remove gallstones. If symptoms such as frequent biliary colic or jaundice occur, prompt medical attention is recommended.

1. Medical dissolution therapy: Involves taking medications like ursodeoxycholic acid to dissolve cholesterol stones. This method requires long-term medication and is effective only for pure cholesterol stones. There is a high recurrence rate after discontinuation, so it is primarily used in patients who cannot undergo surgery.

2. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: A minimally invasive procedure that removes the gallbladder containing stones through small incisions. It causes less trauma and allows faster recovery, making it the preferred treatment for symptomatic gallstones. It is suitable for most patients who can tolerate surgery.

3. Open cholecystectomy: Used when gallstones are complicated by severe cholecystitis, gallbladder perforation, or when laparoscopic surgery is difficult. The gallbladder is removed via an abdominal incision, allowing complete removal of the diseased tissue. However, this approach involves greater surgical trauma and a longer recovery period.

4. Endoscopic sphincterotomy with stone extraction: Mainly used for bile duct stones. An endoscope is used to cut the sphincter of Oddi (the duodenal papilla), and a retrieval basket or balloon catheter is inserted into the bile duct to remove the stones. This method preserves the gallbladder and is suitable for patients with common bile duct stones.

5. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy: Uses shock waves to break large gallbladder stones into smaller fragments, which are then expelled with the help of medication. This method is only applicable to patients with fewer than a few stones smaller than 2 cm in diameter and with normal gallbladder function. Its use is limited due to narrow indications.

In daily life, maintain a low-fat diet, avoid eating organ meats and fried foods, eat meals regularly to prevent bile stasis, drink plenty of water to promote metabolism, and have regular abdominal ultrasounds to monitor changes in gallstones and maintain gallbladder health.

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Gallstone impaction refers to the condition in which gallstones move from the gallbladder into the cystic duct or neck of the gallbladder, becoming lodged and obstructing these narrow passages. This blockage prevents bile from draining properly, leading to gallbladder distension, inflammation, and a series of related symptoms. If sudden, severe pain in the upper right abdomen occurs and persists without relief, immediate medical attention is recommended.
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Why do gallstones cause pain?
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How should patients with gallstones supplement calcium?
Patients with gallstones should generally choose low-fat, high-calcium foods, prioritize organic calcium supplements, take calcium with meals, combine calcium intake with vitamin D to enhance absorption, and control the daily dosage of calcium. It is advisable to consume more low-fat milk, sugar-free yogurt, tofu, and dark green vegetables, as these foods are rich in calcium and low in fat, effectively supplying calcium without stimulating gallbladder contraction.
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How long does a minimally invasive surgery for gallstones take?
If gallstones are in a typical position and there is no severe adhesion between the gallbladder and surrounding tissues, and if the surgical procedure proceeds smoothly without the need for additional management of complicated conditions, the operation usually takes about one hour. The surgery involves minimal trauma and has a relatively low level of technical difficulty. However, if the gallbladder has developed severe adhesions with surrounding organs (such as the liver or duodenum) due to chronic inflammation, or if stones are impacted within the cystic duct and difficult to dissect, the procedure becomes more complex.
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What dietary precautions should patients with gallstones take?
In general, the diet for patients with gallstones should focus on reducing the burden on the gallbladder and avoiding irritation from stones. Key dietary considerations include controlling fat intake, choosing high-quality protein, increasing dietary fiber, avoiding irritating foods, and maintaining regular meal patterns. By appropriately adjusting their diet, gallstone patients can help control disease progression and reduce episodes of discomfort.
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Do gallstones cause pain?
In general, whether gallstones cause pain depends on their condition. Gallstones usually do not cause pain when they do not block the bile ducts or irritate surrounding tissues. However, pain may occur if the stones obstruct the bile ducts or irritate the gallbladder. In daily care, patients with gallstones should maintain a light diet, avoid high-fat and high-cholesterol foods, and minimize factors that may trigger pain. Additionally, it is important to maintain regular eating habits and avoid overeating.
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Is intravenous fluid effective for gallstones?
In general, gallstones refer to stones formed in the gallbladder or bile ducts. Intravenous infusion (IV) is commonly used to administer fluids, antibiotics, or pain-relieving medications. Whether IV therapy is effective for gallstones depends on the specific clinical condition. If discomfort occurs, prompt medical attention is recommended. After identifying symptoms related to gallstones, it is important to seek medical evaluation to determine the severity of the condition.
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Is surgery required for cholecystitis complicated with gallstones?
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