How to remove gallstones

Nov 05, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Gao Jun

Introduction

Main methods for removing gallstones include drug dissolution therapy, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, open cholecystectomy, endoscopic sphincterotomy with stone extraction, and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. The choice of treatment should be based on stone size, symptoms, and the patient's overall health condition. If frequent episodes of biliary colic or jaundice occur, prompt medical attention is recommended. Follow your doctor's instructions to take medications such as ursodeoxycholic acid to dissolve the stones.

　　Main methods for removing gallstones include drug dissolution therapy, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, open cholecystectomy, endoscopic sphincterotomy with stone extraction, and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. The choice of treatment should be based on stone size, symptoms, and the patient's overall health condition. If frequent biliary colic attacks or jaundice occur, prompt medical attention is recommended.

　　1. Drug dissolution therapy: Take medications such as ursodeoxycholic acid as prescribed to dissolve stones. This method is suitable for patients with cholesterol stones smaller than 1 cm in diameter and well-preserved gallbladder contractile function. The treatment course is long (6–12 months), and the recurrence rate after stopping medication is relatively high.

　　2. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: A minimally invasive surgery that removes the gallbladder containing stones through small incisions. It involves less trauma and allows rapid recovery, with most patients discharged within 1–2 days post-surgery. It is currently the preferred treatment for symptomatic gallstones and suitable for most patients who can tolerate surgery.

　　3. Open cholecystectomy: A traditional surgical approach requiring a larger abdominal incision. It is indicated for patients with severe gallbladder inflammation, extensive adhesions, or other complicated conditions. Recovery takes longer compared to laparoscopic surgery, but it allows more thorough management of the affected area.

　　4. Endoscopic sphincterotomy with stone extraction: Involves using an endoscope to cut the bile duct sphincter and remove stones from the common bile duct. It is primarily used when gallstones have migrated into the bile duct or for primary bile duct stones. The gallbladder is preserved, but strict indications must be followed.

　　5. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy: Uses shock waves to fragment gallstones, followed by medication to facilitate stone expulsion. It is only suitable for patients with fewer than a few stones smaller than 2 cm in diameter and normal gallbladder function. Residual stones or recurrence may occur after treatment.

　　In daily life, maintain a low-fat diet, avoid organ meats and fried foods, eat regularly to prevent bile stasis, engage in moderate physical activity to control body weight, and have regular follow-up exams to monitor changes in gallstones, thereby reducing the risk of stone enlargement or increase in number.

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What are the causes of gallstones?

The causes of gallstones mainly include imbalance of bile components, biliary obstruction, abnormal gallbladder function, metabolic influences, as well as genetic and environmental factors. If symptoms such as right upper abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting occur, timely medical evaluation is necessary. An imbalance in the proportions of cholesterol, bile acids, and lecithin in bile—particularly excess cholesterol or insufficient bile acids—can easily lead to the crystallization of cholesterol.

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What tests should be done for a woman with right lower abdominal pain?

Women with right lower abdominal pain generally need to undergo abdominal ultrasound, complete blood count (CBC), urinalysis, gynecological ultrasound, and abdominal CT scan. Abdominal ultrasound can clearly visualize the morphology and structure of abdominal organs such as the appendix, gallbladder, and intestines, helping to identify conditions such as appendicitis, gallstones, or intestinal obstruction. This non-invasive examination provides rapid initial diagnostic information.