Can gallstones be treated with laser lithotripsy?

Gallstones predominantly occur in adults, with a higher prevalence in women than in men; incidence increases with age, particularly after age 40. Gallstones are typically cholesterol stones, cholesterol-predominant mixed stones, or black pigment stones. Can gallstones be treated with laser lithotripsy? The following addresses this question.

Can gallstones be treated with laser lithotripsy?

For certain patients with gallstones, holmium laser lithotripsy may be considered.

Specifically, for select patients with a single gallstone and minimal inflammation, who retain good gallbladder contractility, cholecystolithotomy (gallstone removal while preserving the gallbladder) may be performed—either laparoscopically or via open surgery. During the procedure, if the stone is excessively large, localized holmium laser lithotripsy may be employed. Following fragmentation by the holmium laser, stones are individually extracted from the gallbladder, and the gallbladder fundus is sutured to preserve the organ. Postoperatively, patients should receive ursodeoxycholic acid capsules for approximately one to two months to reduce the risk of gallstone recurrence.

Additionally, after surgical treatment, patients should avoid high-cholesterol foods—including animal offal, egg yolks, and seafood such as squid—as prolonged consumption of such foods may predispose them to gallstone recurrence or formation of bile duct stones.

The above outlines whether gallstones can be treated with laser lithotripsy. We hope this information is helpful to you.