Discover the diverse gallstones treatments. From laparoscopic surgery to non-surgical options, learn how specialists manage gallstone disease effectively.
Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.
Treatment and Management
The selection of gallstones treatments depends heavily on whether the stones are causing symptoms and the severity of those symptoms. For individuals with “silent” stones, a watchful waiting approach is often recommended. However, once stones trigger pain or complications, intervention is necessary. Modern medicine offers both surgical and non surgical pathways. At Liv Hospital, we prioritize minimally invasive techniques that reduce recovery time and maximize patient comfort. Our goal is to resolve the underlying biliary issue permanently so that patients can return to a life free from abdominal distress.
The most common and effective treatment for symptomatic stones is the surgical removal of the gallbladder, a procedure known as a cholecystectomy. In the modern era, this is almost always performed using laparoscopic (minimally invasive) techniques.
This procedure is the only way to ensure that stones do not return, as the “factory” that produces them is removed. The body functions perfectly well without a gallbladder, as bile will flow directly from the liver into the small intestine.
In some complex clinical cases, a laparoscopic approach may not be safe. A surgeon may decide to perform a traditional open surgery through a larger incision in the upper right abdomen. This is usually indicated if:
While the recovery time for open surgery is longer (usually a few days in the hospital), the primary focus is always the safety of the patient and the thorough removal of the diseased tissue.
If a stone has moved out of the gallbladder and into the common bile duct, it must be removed to prevent jaundice and pancreatitis. This is typically done through an Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).
This procedure is often performed shortly before or after the gallbladder removal to ensure the entire biliary tree is clear of obstructions.
For patients who cannot undergo surgery due to other serious medical conditions, oral medications may be used to try and dissolve the stones.
The main drawback of this clinical path is that once the medication is stopped, the stones almost always return. Consequently, this is considered a secondary management strategy rather than a definitive cure.
ESWL is a procedure that uses high energy sound waves to break stones into tiny fragments that can then pass through the bile ducts.
Like medication, ESWL carries a high rate of recurrence because the gallbladder remains in place. At Liv Hospital, we evaluate each patient to see if they are a candidate for this specialized technology, though surgery remains the gold standard for most.
During an acute attack, the immediate clinical priority is pain management and stabilization.
Once the acute pain has subsided, the specialist will discuss long term treatment options to prevent the next attack, which is almost certain to occur without a permanent solution.
If the diagnosis confirms cholecystitis (infection), a course of antibiotics is mandatory. These are usually administered intravenously in a hospital setting to ensure rapid systemic delivery. Antibiotics alone do not remove the stones, but they “cool down” the infection, making surgical intervention much safer. In many clinical protocols, the patient will receive a few days of antibiotics to resolve the acute inflammation before the laparoscopic procedure is performed.
The success of a gallbladder procedure depends heavily on the skill of the surgical team. Precision is required to protect the surrounding liver and bile ducts. At Liv Hospital, our surgeons are international leaders in minimally invasive abdominal surgery, utilizing the latest robotic and laparoscopic platforms. We are dedicated to providing a safe, efficient, and compassionate treatment experience. If you are suffering from symptomatic stones, get in reach with our hospital today to explore the best treatment path for your visual and physical future.
Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.
No. Many gallstones never cause symptoms and only require monitoring.
Diet can reduce symptoms but does not remove existing stones
Treatment is considered when gallstones cause recurrent or disruptive symptoms.
Yes. Stones can persist or recur depending on the approach used.
Yes. Ongoing awareness helps prevent complications.
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