10 treatments to remove them

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• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
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We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

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Was this helpful?

While medication and surgery often resolve gallstone complaints, many people supplement these with natural remedies to manage symptoms. Diet changes, acupuncture, and yoga can all help.

Gallstones are a common complaint, affecting 10 to 15 percent of American adults.

Read on to learn more about popular natural treatments for gallstones, along with some tips to stop them from forming in the first place.

Fast facts on getting rid of gallstones naturally:

• Gallstones are solid particles that form in the gallbladder.
• Not much research exists to suggest that home remedies are effective treatments.
• It is important to see a doctor before treating gallstones with natural or home remedies.

Was this helpful?

Share on PinterestGallstones will be either cholesterol gallstones or pigment gallstones.

Gallstones vary in shape and size, with some growing to the size of a golf ball.

There are two types of gallstones:

• Cholesterol gallstones: These are the most common form and are primarily made up of undissolved cholesterol.
• Pigment gallstones: Made up of excess bilirubin (a pigment that forms during the breakdown of red blood cells), these stones are brown or black.

Not all gallstones cause symptoms. When symptoms are present, they include:

• pain in the upper right abdomen
• pain in the right shoulder or between the shoulder blades
• nausea
• gray stool
• diarrhea
• vomiting

Although there is no reliable evidence that these remedies work, the following treatments are popular natural alternatives to medical interventions.

1. Gallbladder cleanse

One of the most common treatments for gallstones is a gallbladder cleanse. Proponents of this method claim it breaks down the gallstones and flushes them from the body. A 2009 paper states that although scientific evidence to support a gallbladder cleanse is minimal, anecdotal reports indicate it may be helpful for some people.

A gallbladder flush involves consuming a blend of apple juice, herbs, and olive oil for 2 to 5 days. Recipes vary, and some procedures allow a person to eat food while others do not.

This diet may be unsafe people with diabetes or blood sugar problems, who do not consume solid food during the cleanse.

2. Apple cider vinegar with apple juice

Some people believe that apple juice softens gallstones, allowing them to be excreted from the body with ease.

One cleanse involves mixing apple cider vinegar into the apple juice before drinking it. Although there is limited evidence to suggest that apple cider vinegar does have some health benefits, no studies support its use as a treatment for gallstones.

Furthermore, people with diabetes, stomach ulcers, and hypoglycemia should be wary of consuming large amounts of fruit juice.

Apple cider vinegar is available to buy in health stores and online.

3. Dandelion

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, dandelion has been used historically to treat gallbladder, liver, and bile duct problems. Supporters believe that the bitter roots may stimulate bile production in the gallbladder.

People usually drink dandelion teas or coffees to remove their gallstones. However, there is no evidence to suggest this is beneficial. Furthermore, people with gallstones, gallbladder problems, or kidney problems should speak with a doctor before consuming dandelion.

A range of dandelion teas and supplements are available to purchase in health stores and online.

4. Milk thistle

Milk thistle has been used medicinally to detoxify the liver for centuries. While it may support the liver and gallbladder, there are no studies evaluating its effects on gallstones.

A person can take milk thistle as a tonic or in a capsule or tablet form. People with diabetes, ragweed allergies, or a history of hormone-sensitive cancers should discuss the use of milk thistle with their doctor.

Milk thistle is available to buy in health stores and online.

5. Lysimachiae herba

Lysimachiae herba or gold coin grass is a popular traditional Chinese remedy for gallstones. Research suggests it may be beneficial for treating or preventing cholesterol gallstones.

The supplement is available as a powder or liquid.

6. Artichoke

Share on PinterestExtract of artichoke may aid gallbladder function.

Extracts of artichoke have been shown to stimulate bile production and aid both gallbladder and liver function.

However, there is no research specifically focusing on the effects of artichoke on gallstones.

Globe artichokes can be cooked and prepared in various ways. But the research is based on artichoke extract supplements, which are probably more potent than the vegetables.

It is essential to speak with a doctor before taking artichoke extract because it may cause a gallbladder attack if a bile duct is obstructed.

7. Psyllium husk

Psyllium is a soluble fiber derived from the seeds of the Plantago ovata plant. Research has shown it to benefit the heart, pancreas, and other areas of the body.

A very old study found that psyllium husks protected hamsters from the formation of cholesterol gallstones. A more recent study, from 1999, supports these findings.

8. Castor oil pack

Castor oil packs are a popular remedy among naturopaths and natural living enthusiasts for a wide variety of complaints.

To apply a castor oil pack, soak a cloth in warm castor oil and place on the abdomen. Cover with a towel. Some people choose to place a heat source, such as a hot water bottle or heating pad, on top. Leave the pack on the abdomen for up to an hour.

There are no scientific studies to support the use of this treatment for gallstones.

9. Acupuncture

Acupuncture may relieve gallstone symptoms, although the research is very limited.

In one study on 60 people with cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation), acupuncture was found to alleviate back pain, stomachache, and nausea, while also regulating the volume of the gallbladder.

It should be noted that this research does not look specifically at gallstones, and it may only relieve symptoms, rather than helping people to pass the stones.

10. Yoga

Some yoga poses are said to cure gallstones, although no studies support this claim. The following poses are believed by some to be beneficial for people with gallstones:

• Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
• Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)
• Pachimotasana (Seated forward bend)
• Sarvangasana (Shoulderstand)
• Shalabhasana (Locust Pose)

If natural remedies do not treat gallstones effectively, then a person might want to consider medications or surgery.

Medication

Smaller gallstones may be treated with bile acids such as ursodeoxycholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid.

Potential disadvantages of these medications include:

• the time they take to work (up to 2 years)
• the potential for gallstones to return once medication use is stopped

Surgery

Gallstones are often treated by removing the gallbladder. This ensures that the gallstones cannot re-form.

Gallbladder removal surgery or cholecystectomy is one of the most common operations performed on American adults. There are minimal side effects to gallbladder removal.

Share on PinterestA diet high in fruit and vegetables may mean a person is less likely to have their gallbladder removed.

Not all risk factors for gallstone formation can be modified, such as:

• being female
• increasing age (over 40)
• ethnicity
• family history

However, other risk factors can be addressed, including:

• obesity
• rapid weight loss
• a high-fat diet
• sedentary lifestyle

Therefore, preventative techniques should involve focusing on the factors that can be modified. The following tips may reduce the risk of gallstones for some people.

Can diet prevent gallstones?

Women who eat more fruits and vegetables are less likely to have their gallbladders removed than women who eat very little fresh produce, according to a 2006 study. Also, other sources of fiber such as the psyllium husks mentioned earlier may be beneficial for the gallbladder.

Foods that may cause gallbladder problems include:

• high-fat foods
• eggs
• sugar

Weight management

As obesity increases the risk of gallstones, those who are overweight should aim to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

However, following a diet that is very low in calories (500 per day) can be a risk factor for gallstone formation, according to a 2013 study. However, those who ate between 1200 and 1500 calories a day for 12 weeks lost weight but were much less likely to get gallstones.

Anyone considering trying natural treatment should always consult a doctor first.

Symptoms of a gallbladder problem include:

• pain in the abdomen that lasts for 5 hours or more
• fever
• chills
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• tea-colored urine
• pale stools
• nausea
• vomiting

People who suspect they have had a gallbladder attack should contact a doctor without delay to reduce the risk of future complications.

10 treatments to remove them

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

While medication and surgery often resolve gallstone complaints, many people supplement these with natural remedies to manage symptoms. Diet changes, acupuncture, and yoga can all help.

Gallstones are a common complaint, affecting 10 to 15 percent of American adults.

Read on to learn more about popular natural treatments for gallstones, along with some tips to stop them from forming in the first place.

Fast facts on getting rid of gallstones naturally:

• Gallstones are solid particles that form in the gallbladder.
• Not much research exists to suggest that home remedies are effective treatments.
• It is important to see a doctor before treating gallstones with natural or home remedies.

Was this helpful?

Share on PinterestGallstones will be either cholesterol gallstones or pigment gallstones.

Gallstones vary in shape and size, with some growing to the size of a golf ball.

There are two types of gallstones:

• Cholesterol gallstones: These are the most common form and are primarily made up of undissolved cholesterol.
• Pigment gallstones: Made up of excess bilirubin (a pigment that forms during the breakdown of red blood cells), these stones are brown or black.

Not all gallstones cause symptoms. When symptoms are present, they include:

• pain in the upper right abdomen
• pain in the right shoulder or between the shoulder blades
• nausea
• gray stool
• diarrhea
• vomiting

Although there is no reliable evidence that these remedies work, the following treatments are popular natural alternatives to medical interventions.

1. Gallbladder cleanse

One of the most common treatments for gallstones is a gallbladder cleanse. Proponents of this method claim it breaks down the gallstones and flushes them from the body. A 2009 paper states that although scientific evidence to support a gallbladder cleanse is minimal, anecdotal reports indicate it may be helpful for some people.

A gallbladder flush involves consuming a blend of apple juice, herbs, and olive oil for 2 to 5 days. Recipes vary, and some procedures allow a person to eat food while others do not.

This diet may be unsafe people with diabetes or blood sugar problems, who do not consume solid food during the cleanse.

2. Apple cider vinegar with apple juice

Some people believe that apple juice softens gallstones, allowing them to be excreted from the body with ease.

One cleanse involves mixing apple cider vinegar into the apple juice before drinking it. Although there is limited evidence to suggest that apple cider vinegar does have some health benefits, no studies support its use as a treatment for gallstones.

Furthermore, people with diabetes, stomach ulcers, and hypoglycemia should be wary of consuming large amounts of fruit juice.

Apple cider vinegar is available to buy in health stores and online.

3. Dandelion

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, dandelion has been used historically to treat gallbladder, liver, and bile duct problems. Supporters believe that the bitter roots may stimulate bile production in the gallbladder.

People usually drink dandelion teas or coffees to remove their gallstones. However, there is no evidence to suggest this is beneficial. Furthermore, people with gallstones, gallbladder problems, or kidney problems should speak with a doctor before consuming dandelion.

A range of dandelion teas and supplements are available to purchase in health stores and online.

4. Milk thistle

Milk thistle has been used medicinally to detoxify the liver for centuries. While it may support the liver and gallbladder, there are no studies evaluating its effects on gallstones.

A person can take milk thistle as a tonic or in a capsule or tablet form. People with diabetes, ragweed allergies, or a history of hormone-sensitive cancers should discuss the use of milk thistle with their doctor.

Milk thistle is available to buy in health stores and online.

5. Lysimachiae herba

Lysimachiae herba or gold coin grass is a popular traditional Chinese remedy for gallstones. Research suggests it may be beneficial for treating or preventing cholesterol gallstones.

The supplement is available as a powder or liquid.

6. Artichoke

Share on PinterestExtract of artichoke may aid gallbladder function.

Extracts of artichoke have been shown to stimulate bile production and aid both gallbladder and liver function.

However, there is no research specifically focusing on the effects of artichoke on gallstones.

Globe artichokes can be cooked and prepared in various ways. But the research is based on artichoke extract supplements, which are probably more potent than the vegetables.

It is essential to speak with a doctor before taking artichoke extract because it may cause a gallbladder attack if a bile duct is obstructed.

7. Psyllium husk

Psyllium is a soluble fiber derived from the seeds of the Plantago ovata plant. Research has shown it to benefit the heart, pancreas, and other areas of the body.

A very old study found that psyllium husks protected hamsters from the formation of cholesterol gallstones. A more recent study, from 1999, supports these findings.

8. Castor oil pack

Castor oil packs are a popular remedy among naturopaths and natural living enthusiasts for a wide variety of complaints.

To apply a castor oil pack, soak a cloth in warm castor oil and place on the abdomen. Cover with a towel. Some people choose to place a heat source, such as a hot water bottle or heating pad, on top. Leave the pack on the abdomen for up to an hour.

There are no scientific studies to support the use of this treatment for gallstones.

9. Acupuncture

Acupuncture may relieve gallstone symptoms, although the research is very limited.

In one study on 60 people with cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation), acupuncture was found to alleviate back pain, stomachache, and nausea, while also regulating the volume of the gallbladder.

It should be noted that this research does not look specifically at gallstones, and it may only relieve symptoms, rather than helping people to pass the stones.

10. Yoga

Some yoga poses are said to cure gallstones, although no studies support this claim. The following poses are believed by some to be beneficial for people with gallstones:

• Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
• Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)
• Pachimotasana (Seated forward bend)
• Sarvangasana (Shoulderstand)
• Shalabhasana (Locust Pose)

If natural remedies do not treat gallstones effectively, then a person might want to consider medications or surgery.

Medication

Smaller gallstones may be treated with bile acids such as ursodeoxycholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid.

Potential disadvantages of these medications include:

• the time they take to work (up to 2 years)
• the potential for gallstones to return once medication use is stopped

Surgery

Gallstones are often treated by removing the gallbladder. This ensures that the gallstones cannot re-form.

Gallbladder removal surgery or cholecystectomy is one of the most common operations performed on American adults. There are minimal side effects to gallbladder removal.

Share on PinterestA diet high in fruit and vegetables may mean a person is less likely to have their gallbladder removed.

Not all risk factors for gallstone formation can be modified, such as:

• being female
• increasing age (over 40)
• ethnicity
• family history

However, other risk factors can be addressed, including:

• obesity
• rapid weight loss
• a high-fat diet
• sedentary lifestyle

Therefore, preventative techniques should involve focusing on the factors that can be modified. The following tips may reduce the risk of gallstones for some people.

Can diet prevent gallstones?

Women who eat more fruits and vegetables are less likely to have their gallbladders removed than women who eat very little fresh produce, according to a 2006 study. Also, other sources of fiber such as the psyllium husks mentioned earlier may be beneficial for the gallbladder.

Foods that may cause gallbladder problems include:

• high-fat foods
• eggs
• sugar

Weight management

As obesity increases the risk of gallstones, those who are overweight should aim to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

However, following a diet that is very low in calories (500 per day) can be a risk factor for gallstone formation, according to a 2013 study. However, those who ate between 1200 and 1500 calories a day for 12 weeks lost weight but were much less likely to get gallstones.

Anyone considering trying natural treatment should always consult a doctor first.

Symptoms of a gallbladder problem include:

• pain in the abdomen that lasts for 5 hours or more
• fever
• chills
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• tea-colored urine
• pale stools
• nausea
• vomiting

People who suspect they have had a gallbladder attack should contact a doctor without delay to reduce the risk of future complications.

URSOCHOL: time to dissolve stones | Shchotizhnevik PHARMACY

GSD is one of the most common diseases of the hepatobiliary system. Gallstones are found in 10–15% of the population in developed countries. In women, cholelithiasis occurs 2-3 times more often than in men; with age, there is an increase in the incidence in both sexes (Leishner W., 2001). This disease is no longer casuistry even in childhood (Kharitonova L.A., 2003). Therefore, at present, cholelithiasis is an interdisciplinary problem, because patients with this common pathology are treated by doctors of various specialties: gastroenterologists, therapists, surgeons, pediatricians.

What are the current approaches to the treatment of cholelithiasis? Obviously, in the later stages of this disease, characterized by severe clinical symptoms, frequent recurrence of biliary colic, the development of acute or chronic calculous cholecystitis and other dangerous complications (empyema, gallbladder perforation, obstructive jaundice), patients must be surgically treated. However, a significant part of them have no pronounced clinical manifestations of the disease and they can be successfully treated with conservative methods. In addition, many patients have contraindications to surgical treatment due to the presence of severe comorbidity or, for various subjective reasons, they refuse surgical intervention. To date, the only non-invasive treatment for cholelithiasis is oral litholytic therapy – drug dissolution of gallstones. This method of treating cholelithiasis has a number of significant advantages: it is not associated with the risk of postoperative complications, including potentially fatal ones, and it can be performed on an outpatient basis.

There are 3 types of gallstones: cholesterol, pigment and mixed. It should be noted that only cholesterol stones can be dissolved with the help of bile acid preparations. However, in almost 80% of cases of cholelithiasis, cholesterol and mixed stones are detected, which usually contain at least 70% cholesterol (Perederiy V.G., Tkach S.M., 1998). According to other sources, cholesterol stones account for 80–90% of all gallstones (Leishner W. , 2001). Cholesterol stones with a diameter of up to 20 mm are subjected to drug dissolution. Mandatory conditions for such therapy are the presence of a functioning gallbladder and maintaining the patency of the cystic and common bile ducts.

Cholesterol stones are formed in the gallbladder only with certain changes in the chemical properties of bile: a decrease in the content of bile acids and an increase in the content of cholesterol. The presence of bile supersaturated with cholesterol is a prerequisite for the formation of stones. At the same time, bile acids are not enough to maintain cholesterol in a dissolved state, and microliths are formed from its precipitated crystals under the influence of gallbladder mucus glycoproteins. Then stones are gradually formed from them, which can already be visualized during an ultrasound examination (ultrasound). In addition, an important pathogenetic role in the process of stone formation is played by a decrease in the motor function of the gallbladder and stagnation of bile, the presence of anatomical anomalies of the gallbladder, which makes it difficult to remove microliths into the intestine and creates conditions for a further increase in their size.

Therefore, it is obvious that drug correction of impaired bile chemistry should be aimed at stimulating the synthesis and secretion of bile acids, as well as suppressing the synthesis or secretion of cholesterol (Maslovsky L.V. et al., 1998). These requirements are fully met by URSOCHOL, the use of which for oral litholytic therapy is pathogenetically justified: the drug inhibits the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver, forms liquid crystals with cholesterol molecules and prevents its absorption in the intestine, reduces the lithogenicity of bile, reduces the cholate-cholesterol coefficient, thereby contributing to dissolving cholesterol stones and preventing their formation. It should be noted that the earlier treatment is started, the more chances to get a good result, because with the long-term existence of cholesterol stones, they calcify and they are no longer amenable to dissolution. To monitor the effectiveness of litholytic therapy, it is recommended to conduct ultrasound and X-ray examination of the biliary tract every 6 months.

All of the above allows us to conclude that the scope of potential use of bile acid preparations and, in particular, URSOCHOL, in cholelithiasis is quite wide. Today, ursodeoxycholic acid is considered the drug of choice for the conservative treatment of cholelithiasis (Loginov A.S. et al., 1997). In addition, in a significant proportion of patients after lithotripsy or cholecystectomy, the formation of calculi in the biliary tract again occurs. Therefore, various schemes for the use of ursodeoxycholic acid are also used to prevent relapses of cholelithiasis (Lazebnik L.B. et al., 2002). Even taking low doses of the drug (250 mg 1 time per day) leads to a decrease in bile lithogenicity and prevents re-stone formation (Jungst D. et al., 1989).

Since treatment with bile acids is quite long – up to several months, and sometimes years, patient compliance and pharmacoeconomic aspects of therapy are of great importance. Among other drugs of ursodeoxycholic acid available on the pharmaceutical market of Ukraine, URSOHOL compares favorably with its relatively low cost, so litholytic therapy becomes available to a wider range of consumers. Based on the analysis of wholesale prices from March 1 to March 12, 2004, it was found that the cost of 50 URSOHOL capsules is lower than other preparations containing the same active substance registered in Ukraine (Table 1).

Table 1

Estimated cost of URSOCHOL and other ursodeoxycholic acid preparations*

*According to the reference and search system “Drugs” LLC “MORION” from March 1 to March 12, 2004

Is such a long treatment justified? It can be said with certainty that yes, because the effectiveness of litholytic therapy is quite high and complete dissolution of stones can be achieved in 60-70% of cases (Leishner W., 2001).

… AND TAKE CARE OF THE LIVER

However, the scope of URSOCHOL is not limited solely to GSD. In addition to the ability to dissolve cholesterol stones, this drug has a number of other effects: membrane-stabilizing, hepatoprotective, choleretic and immunomodulatory. Ursodeoxycholic acid is incorporated into the hepatocyte membrane, stabilizes its structure and protects the liver cell from damaging factors. In addition, it induces the formation of bicarbonate-rich bile, which increases its passage and stimulates the excretion of toxic bile acids through the intestines. Therefore, URSOCHOL is indicated for patients with liver diseases, especially in the presence of cholestatic syndrome. The efficacy and safety of the use of this drug was confirmed in an open study conducted in 2003 at the Department of Gastroenterology and Diet Therapy of the Kyiv Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education. P.L. Shupyk. The study involved 60 patients with a morphologically confirmed diagnosis of chronic hepatitis with cholestatic syndrome of various origins: alcoholic, toxic, viral hepatitis, hepatitis of mixed etiology. Upon admission, they complained of general weakness, reduced efficiency, sleep disturbance, irritability, headache, mood lability, skin itching, a feeling of heaviness in the right hypochondrium, discomfort in the epigastric region. An objective examination of all patients showed jaundice of the sclera and visible mucous membranes, as well as an increase in the liver.

All patients were divided into 2 groups (main and control) of 30 people each, comparable in age, sex and duration of the disease. Patients of the main group were prescribed the drug URSOHOL 1 capsule (250 mg) 3 times a day for 30 days, the control group – according to a similar scheme, the reference drug – Ursofalk manufactured by Dr. Falk (Germany). Concomitant treatment included diet therapy, detoxification therapy, vitamin and enzyme preparations. Before and after the completion of the course of treatment, all patients underwent an objective examination, clinical blood and urine tests, a biochemical blood test, and an ultrasound of the gallbladder.

After 30 days of taking URSOCHOL in patients of the main group, a pronounced positive dynamics of the clinical manifestations of the disease was noted. Similar indicators were observed in patients of the control group (Table 2).

Table 2

Dynamics of clinical manifestations of the disease

The results of a biochemical blood test after treatment indicated a decrease in the severity of cytolytic (normalization of ALT, AST), mesenchymal-inflammatory (decrease in thymol test) and cholestatic syndromes (decrease in the level of alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, cholesterol) due to URSOCHOLA intake. According to ultrasound data, in patients of the main group, after the treatment, a decrease in the size of the gallbladder, the disappearance of “putty” in its lumen, which indicated a decrease in the intensity of inflammation in the biliary tract, was noted. Patients in the control group showed similar positive changes.

No side effects were noted during the treatment, which made it possible to determine the tolerability of the drug as good. The evaluation of the effectiveness of treatment was carried out on the basis of a decrease in the patient’s subjective complaints and the severity of objective signs of the disease, as well as the dynamics of a biochemical study of blood and bile. According to these criteria, URSOCHOL proved to be effective in all patients: high efficiency was observed in 18 (60%) patients, and moderate efficiency was noted in 12 (40%).

Thus, the results of the clinical study indicate the effectiveness and good tolerability of URSOHOL, which allows us to recommend it for widespread use both in hospital and outpatient practice.

Elena Barsukova

Doctor Pustovit told about ways to get rid of gallstones without surgery

• Health

90 338 Women suffer from gallstone disease more than three times more often than men – this is very unpleasant. But there is good news – you can still get rid of this scourge, and avoiding surgical intervention.

June 9, 2022

Source:

iStockphoto

According to statistics, the number of people suffering from gallstone leucorrhea increases by almost 50% every 10 years. The older the age of a woman or man, the higher the likelihood of developing gallstone disease. Often, a person learns that stones have formed in the gallbladder when faced with an attack of biliary colic. This is a sharp pain in the right side, under the ribs, that occurs if the stones block the outflow of bile from the bladder or close the exit to the duodenum.

By analogy with kidney stones, people think that stones can be crushed in the gallbladder. But usually doctors tell them about the complete removal of the entire bladder. Is this really the only way to deal with the problem, Ekaterina Pustovit, a gastroenterologist, told Doctor Peter.

It is said that girls are not indifferent to stones. But definitely not to the bile. But, if you look at the risk factors for cholecystolithiasis, it is women who suffer from this disease 2-3 times more often than men.

But both sexes equally, faced with the detection of stones in the gallbladder, ask the question: “Is it necessary to operate? Maybe there is a way to remove the stones and save the gallbladder?

To find out the answer to this question, let’s first study in more detail the mechanism of stone formation, the dynamics of the formation of stones inside the gallbladder, and draw a logical conclusion – whether a radical operation is needed.

Read also

Time to study the stones

So, let’s start with the simplest – in terms of their composition, the stones are cholesterol and pigment. Let’s start disassembling cholelithiasis from cholesterol stones, since this substance is familiar to many of us. The first step in their formation is the presence of biliary sludge (bile thickening). A condition in which the bile becomes thicker, more viscous, is considered a harbinger of the fact that the bile has become lithogenic (prone to the formation of sand and stones). The concentration of cholesterol in it increases, which gradually leads to gluing of cholesterol droplets and the formation of small crystals.

In order for bile to become lithogenic, it is necessary: ​​

• a combination of a genetic factor (susceptibility to gallstone disease),

• nutrition with an increased amount of carbohydrates, cholesterol.

Stones also begin to form when the gallbladder is slowed down, if it is rarely and incompletely emptied.

Read also

If these are pigment stones, everything is different here

When pigment stones form, the mechanism of their origin and growth is significantly different. First of all, the function of the epithelium of the gallbladder, which is responsible for maintaining the pH of bile and the formation of bilirubin salts, is disrupted.

If the walls of the bladder are inflamed or irritated, stone formation gradually begins. Looking ahead, let’s say right away that the possibility of using organ-preserving methods of treatment – removing stones while preserving the bladder itself, is extremely limited by harsh conditions.

Can stones be crushed?

There are many questions about lithotripsy, a method of breaking stones inside a bladder. Application is possible in the presence of a maximum of 1-3 stones in the gallbladder with a total diameter of less than 30 mm, and only if the function of the gallbladder itself is preserved.

The method is ineffective and risky, dangerous due to its complications in the form of hepatic colic, acute cholecystitis, pancreatitis, etc. The recurrence rate of stones reaches 50% in the first 1-2 years.

See also

Can stones be dissolved?

Conservative therapy with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is effective in only 10% of patients. Stones must be X-ray negative, i.e. they are not visible on abdominal CT. It is possible to dissolve calculi with a diameter of less than 15 mm, while only in people with a working gallbladder. 70% of efficiency falls on stones smaller than 5 mm.

Treatment is carried out for 1 year under the control of abdominal ultrasound every 3-6 months. If the stones do not decrease in size within 6 months of UDCA therapy, the treatment itself is considered ineffective. Recurrence of stones after conservative treatment for 1 year – 25%. This method is only suitable for cholesterol stones in the presence of contraindications to surgical treatment.