If you have gallstones, it is important to get them treated as soon as possible. Gallstones can cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and jaundice.
The most common treatment for gallstones is a procedure called cholecystectomy. This procedure involves surgically removing the gallbladder, which is the organ that stores bile. The bile that is released from the gallbladder helps to break down the fats in the food you eat. Without the gallbladder, bile will be released directly into the intestines, allowing the body to break down fats more efficiently. A cholecystectomy is usually done on an outpatient basis and can be performed laparoscopically, meaning that only small incisions are made in the abdomen during the procedure.
There are also some less invasive alternatives to cholecystectomy. One option is to take medications that dissolve the gallstones. Medications such as ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) or chenodiol are taken by mouth and can help to dissolve small gallstones. However, this treatment is typically used for stones that are smaller than 5mm in size and may take several months to be effective.
Shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) is another option for treating gallstones. In this procedure, sound waves are used to break up the stones into small pieces that can more easily pass through the bile ducts. This procedure is typically done if the stones are too large to be dissolved with medications.
Finally, there is the option of gallbladder drainage. This is a procedure that is used to help relieve the pain associated with gallstones. In this procedure, a flexible tube is inserted through the skin and into the gallbladder, allowing the bile to be drained directly into the intestine. This procedure is usually done on an outpatient basis and can provide temporary relief from the pain associated with gallstones.
No matter which treatment option you choose, it is important to get your gallstones treated as soon as possible. If left untreated, gallstones can lead to serious complications and can cause damage to the liver and pancreas. It is important to talk to your doctor to discuss the best treatment option for you.