What are the most severe consequences of gallstones?

There is no such thing as "how severe gallstones can possibly get." Gallstones may lead to asymptomatic carriage, trigger biliary colic, induce cholecystitis, cause bile duct obstruction, or increase the risk of gallbladder cancer. Timely intervention should be based on specific clinical manifestations. If sudden severe abdominal pain, fever, jaundice, or similar symptoms occur, immediate medical attention is recommended.

1. Asymptomatic carriage: Most patients with gallstones remain asymptomatic for a long time. When stones do not block the cystic duct or irritate the gallbladder wall, they are often only discovered during routine physical examinations and do not affect daily life. However, regular monitoring of stone size and position is necessary.

2. Biliary colic: When a stone moves and blocks the cystic duct, strong contractions of the gallbladder cause biliary colic. This presents as sudden, severe pain in the right upper abdomen, which may radiate to the shoulder and back. It is often accompanied by nausea and vomiting, and episodes commonly occur after consuming fatty foods.

3. Cholecystitis: Prolonged irritation of the gallbladder wall by stones or cystic duct obstruction leading to bile stasis can promote bacterial infection and result in cholecystitis. Acute episodes present with abdominal pain and fever, while chronic cases typically manifest as dull pain in the right upper abdomen and indigestion.

4. Bile duct obstruction: If a stone dislodges from the gallbladder into the bile duct, it may obstruct the duct, impairing bile drainage and causing jaundice (yellowing of the skin and sclera) and cholangitis. In severe cases, this can lead to pancreatitis.

5. Increased risk of gallbladder cancer: Long-standing gallstones, especially those larger than 3 cm in diameter or present for over 10 years, continuously irritate the gallbladder mucosa and increase the risk of developing gallbladder cancer. Gallbladder cancer has a poor prognosis and is difficult to detect at an early stage.

In daily life, maintain a low-fat diet, avoid overeating, eat regularly to promote consistent bile excretion, control body weight to prevent obesity, and undergo regular abdominal ultrasound examinations to monitor gallstone status and gallbladder health.