Once gallstones are diagnosed, the next step is deciding on the best treatment. Not everyone with gallstones will need active treatment—especially if the stones are “silent” and not causing any symptoms. But when symptoms or complications appear, medical intervention is often necessary.
When Is Treatment Needed?
Treatment is usually recommended if you have:
- Frequent or intense pain (biliary colic)
- Inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis)
- Blocked bile ducts
- Complications such as pancreatitis or jaundice
For those with no symptoms, doctors might suggest monitoring rather than immediate treatment.
Main Treatment Options
1. Surgery: Cholecystectomy
The most common and effective treatment is surgery to remove the gallbladder—a procedure called a cholecystectomy.
- Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the preferred method. It’s minimally invasive, done through small incisions, and usually allows patients to go home the same day or the next.
- In some cases, an open surgery may be required, especially if there are complications or prior abdominal surgeries.
In South Africa, this surgery is widely available in both public and private hospitals. It’s a routine procedure in most parts of the world.
2. Medications
If surgery isn’t an option due to other health conditions, certain medications may help:
- Oral bile acid pills (like ursodeoxycholic acid) can slowly dissolve cholesterol stones, but this can take months or years and the stones may return.
- This option is less commonly used and isn’t effective for all types of stones.
3. Endoscopic Procedures
If a stone is stuck in the bile duct, a doctor may perform an ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography). This is a non-surgical procedure that uses a camera and instruments to remove the stone.
After Treatment
Most people live perfectly well without a gallbladder. Some may experience mild digestive changes at first, but these usually improve over time. It’s often recommended to adopt a lower-fat diet and eat smaller, more frequent meals during recovery.
Final Note
Effective treatment depends on individual factors—your symptoms, the size and location of the stones, and your overall health. The good news is that gallstones are manageable, and with the right care, you can go back to living comfortably.
👉 Next: What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk
Reviewed April 2025. Always consult a professional for individual guidance.
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