How to treat gallstones discovered during physical examination

Physical examination reveals that gallstones can be treated through dietary adjustments, medication dissolution, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, open cholecystectomy, and other methods. Gallstones may be related to abnormal bile composition, decreased gallbladder contraction function, bacterial infections, obesity, pregnancy, and other factors. They usually manifest as symptoms such as upper right abdominal pain, postprandial bloating, nausea and vomiting.

1. Dietary Adjustment

Reducing the intake of high cholesterol foods such as animal organs and egg yolks, increasing dietary fiber and high-quality protein intake can help improve bile composition. Eating regularly every day can promote gallbladder emptying and avoid bile stasis. During the acute exacerbation period, it is necessary to abstain from fatty foods and gradually transition to a low-fat diet after the symptoms are relieved.

2. Drug dissolution of stones

Ursodeoxycholic acid capsules and chenodeoxycholic acid capsules are suitable for cholesterol stones and should be taken continuously for more than six months. Traditional Chinese patent medicines and simple preparations such as Danning Tablets can assist in cholagogic and anti-inflammatory. Drug therapy should be accompanied by regular ultrasound follow-up. It is not recommended to dissolve stones with a diameter exceeding 15 millimeters or calcified stones with medication.

3. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy

is suitable for single cholesterol stones with a diameter of less than 20 millimeters, and postoperative medication should be used to promote the expulsion of the stones. Before treatment, it is necessary to confirm that the gallbladder duct is unobstructed. Postoperative complications such as skin bruising and hematuria may occur. The stone clearance rate of this method is about 60%, and the two-year recurrence rate is relatively high.

4. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has minimal trauma and fast recovery, and fluid can be consumed 1-2 days after surgery. Preoperative assessment of the common bile duct condition is necessary, and intraoperative conversion to open surgery may be necessary. Postoperative complications such as shoulder radiation pain and bile leakage may occur, requiring monitoring of body temperature and changes in abdominal signs.

5. Open abdominal resection

is suitable for patients with acute suppurative cholecystitis, gallbladder perforation, or extensive adhesions. After surgery, an abdominal drainage tube should be placed and diet should be gradually restored within 5-7 days. Open surgery has a clearer field of view, but the probability of complications such as incision infection and intestinal adhesions is higher than laparoscopic surgery. Patients with gallstones should maintain a regular daily routine to avoid rapid weight loss and long-term hunger. It is recommended to have abdominal ultrasound re examination every six months to observe changes in stones. If symptoms such as persistent abdominal pain, fever, and jaundice occur, seek medical attention promptly. Postoperative patients should follow a low-fat diet for 3-6 months, gradually increasing their fat intake. Cooking should be done using steaming and boiling methods, and animal fat intake should be limited.