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Gallstones are hard deposits that form in the gallbladder Stone . The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ that sits under the liver. It stores bile, a fluid that helps to digest fats. Gallstones are common, affecting about 1 in 10 people in the United States. They are more common in women than men, and they are more likely to develop as you get older.
Most gallstones do not cause any symptoms. However, if a gallstone blocks the bile duct, it can cause pain in the upper right abdomen. The pain may be severe and can last for several hours. Other symptoms of a blocked bile duct may include nausea, vomiting, fever, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).
Can gallstones go away without surgery?
In some cases, gallstones can go away without surgery. This is more likely to happen if the gallstones are small and they are not causing any symptoms.
There are a few things that you can do to help gallstones go away without surgery. These include:
- Losing weight. If you are overweight or obese, losing weight can help to reduce the amount of cholesterol in your bile, which can make it less likely for gallstones to form.
- Eating a healthy diet. Eating a healthy diet that is low in fat and cholesterol can also help to reduce the risk of gallstones.
- Taking medication. There are some medications that can help to dissolve gallstones. However, these medications are not always effective, and they can take several months to work.
When do you need surgery for gallstones?
If you have gallstones that are causing symptoms, or if they are large, you may need surgery to remove the gallbladder. Surgery is the only way to permanently get rid of gallstones.
There are two types of surgery for gallstones: laparoscopic cholecystectomy and open cholecystectomy.
- Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a minimally invasive surgery. It is performed through small incisions in the abdomen. This type of surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, and patients typically go home the same day.
- Open cholecystectomy is more traditional surgery. It is performed through a larger incision in the abdomen. This type of surgery usually requires an overnight stay in the hospital.
Dr. Bhushan Chittawadagi:
If you are considering surgery for gallstones, I would highly recommend Dr. Bhushan Chittawadagi. He is a general surgeon in Bangalore, India, with over 18 years of experience in the field of laparoscopic GI & HPB surgery. He is a highly skilled and experienced surgeon, and his patients consistently give him high ratings. He is committed to providing his patients with the highest quality care, and he always strives to find the best treatment options for each individual patient.
Conclusion:
Gallstones are a common condition, but they can be treated. If you have gallstones, it is important to see a doctor to discuss your treatment options.