Gallstone surgery – When Is It Safe?

Gallstone surgery is a common procedure used to treat gallstones, which are small calcified particles that can form in the gallbladder. They can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. While many people have these deposits without any symptoms, some may experience pain, nausea, vomiting, or other digestive issues. In some cases, gallstones may lead to more serious complications, such as a blockage in the gallbladder, bile ducts, or pancreas.

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Who Needs Gallbladder Surgery?

Gallbladder surgery is generally recommended when gallstones cause complications or the risk of complications is high. Surgery is also recommended if the gallstones are too large and cannot be treated with other methods. In general, the decision to go ahead with surgery is based on the size and location of the gallstones, and the presence or absence of symptoms.

When to Go for Surgery?

Surgery is usually necessary if the gallstones are causing severe symptoms or have led to complications such as pancreatitis, jaundice, or an infection. It is also usually recommended if the stones are large, as these are more likely to cause problems. Surgery is typically recommended for people over the age of 40 as well since gallstones are more likely to cause issues in older age groups.

When Not to Go for Surgery?

Surgery is not generally recommended if the gallstones are small and cause no symptoms to only mild symptoms. This is because the risks associated with the surgery may outweigh the benefits.

Non-Surgical Treatment

For mild to moderate cases of symptomatic gallstones, there are several non-surgical treatment options. One option is to wait and see if the symptoms improve without treatment. This is usually recommended if the symptoms are mild and not causing much discomfort. Another option is to take medications such as ursodeoxycholic acid to dissolve the gallstones or relieve the symptoms. Other treatment options include shock wave lithotripsy and oral bile acid therapy.

Conclusion

Gallstones can cause a range of symptoms and medical complications, and gallbladder surgery is often recommended to treat them. However, there are some cases in which surgery is not necessary, and there are various non-surgical treatment options available. It is important to talk to Dr Abdullah iqbal to find out the best course of treatment for each individual case.