How should bile duct stones be treated?

The main treatment methods for bile duct stones include the following two approaches: 1. Medication: Suitable for patients with small stones and mild symptoms. Commonly used medications include chenodeoxycholic acid and ursodeoxycholic acid, which can reduce cholesterol levels in bile and promote the dissolution and expulsion of stones. Medication treatment requires a long duration, typically at least six months to over a year, to achieve effective stone dissolution and removal. 2. Surgical treatment: Indicated for patients with larger stones or more severe conditions. Common surgical procedures include choledocholithotomy (incision of the bile duct to remove stones) and reconstruction surgery for hilar bile duct strictures. In recent years, laparoscopic surgery has become an increasingly important approach for treating bile duct stones due to its advantages of minimal invasiveness and faster recovery.