Non-surgical options for the management of gallstone disease: an overview

Save citation to file

Format:

Summary (text)PubMedPMIDAbstract (text)CSV

Add to Collections

• Create a new collection
• Add to an existing collection

Name your collection:

Name must be less than 100 characters

Choose a collection:

Unable to load your collection due to an error
Please try again

Add to My Bibliography

• My Bibliography

Unable to load your delegates due to an error
Please try again

Your saved search

Name of saved search:

Search terms:

Test search terms

Email:

(change)

Which day?

The first SundayThe first MondayThe first TuesdayThe first WednesdayThe first ThursdayThe first FridayThe first SaturdayThe first dayThe first weekday

Which day?

SundayMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturday

Report format:

SummarySummary (text)AbstractAbstract (text)PubMed

Send at most:

1 item5 items10 items20 items50 items100 items200 items

Send even when there aren’t any new results

Optional text in email:

Create a file for external citation management software

Full text links

Springer

Full text links

Review

. 1990;4(3):127-31; discussion 136-40.

doi: 10.1007/BF02336587.

A Cuschieri 
¹

Affiliations

Affiliation

• ¹ Department of Surgery, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, UK.

• PMID:

  2148441

• DOI:

  10.1007/BF02336587

Review

A Cuschieri.

Surg Endosc.

1990.

. 1990;4(3):127-31; discussion 136-40.

doi: 10.1007/BF02336587.

Author

A Cuschieri 
¹

Affiliation

• ¹ Department of Surgery, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, UK.

• PMID:

  2148441

• DOI:

  10.1007/BF02336587

Abstract

The modalities for the non-surgical treatment of gallstones include oral dissolution by bile salts, local dissolution by methyl-tert-butyl-ether (MTBE), extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) and percutaneous gallstone clearance. The results of oral bile salt therapy for cholesterol stones have been disappointing, and the only indication for this treatment is after ESWL. The high efficacy initially reported for MTBE has not been confirmed by subsequent experience in other centres: this therapy is toxic and best confined to specialized centres. ESWL, though effective in noncalcified stones, has limited overall applicability (approx. 15%) and is frequently followed by recurrence despite maintenance therapy with oral bile salts. Percutaneous gallstone clearance (radiologic or laparoscopic) has been superseded by laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This offers definitive treatment in a single session and has significant advantages over open cholecystectomy in terms of short hospital stay and accelerated recovery with early return to work or full activity. Destruction of the gallbladder by sclerosant agents (chemical cholecystectomy) requires further experimental evaluation before its introduction to clinical practice.

Similar articles

• [Gallbladder calculi: what therapy of choice?].

  Lunghi C, Belloni L, Nehchiri F, Ballarini C, Prestipino F, Demurtas G, Insalaco P, Malacarne Z, Pagani M, Galimberti F, et al.

  Lunghi C, et al.
  Minerva Chir. 1992 Aug;47(15-16):1229-40.
  Minerva Chir. 1992.

  PMID: 1407621

  Review.
  Italian.

• Current options for the management of gallstones.

  Desmond PV.

  Desmond PV.
  Med J Aust. 1991 Mar 18;154(6):400-1, 404-6. doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.1991.tb121131.x.
  Med J Aust. 1991.

  PMID: 2000053

  Review.

• [New possibilities in the management of gallbladder calculi].

  Fehér J, Okolicsányi L.

  Fehér J, et al.
  Orv Hetil. 1991 Dec 30;132(52):2891-6.
  Orv Hetil. 1991.

  PMID: 1766657

  Hungarian.

• [Results of 4 years of gallstone lithotripsy].

  Plaisier PW, van der Hul RL, den Toom R, Nijs HG, Terpstra OT, Bruining HA.

  Plaisier PW, et al.
  Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 1993 Apr 10;137(15):768-71.
  Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 1993.

  PMID: 8479570

  Dutch.

• [Oral and direct lysis of gallbladder calculi. Competing or complementary procedures to shockwave lithotripsy?].

  Kurtz W, Hellstern A, Leuschner U.

  Kurtz W, et al.
  Fortschr Med. 1989 Jul 10;107(20):443-5.
  Fortschr Med. 1989.

  PMID: 2670710

  Review.
  German.

See all similar articles

Cited by

• Laparoscopic cholecystostomy with delayed cholecystectomy as an alternative to conversion to open procedure.

  Kuster GG, Domagk D.

  Kuster GG, et al.
  Surg Endosc. 1996 Apr;10(4):426-8. doi: 10.1007/BF00191631.
  Surg Endosc. 1996.

  PMID: 8661794

References

1. 1. N Engl J Med. 1988 Feb 18;318(7):393-7

      –

      PubMed

2. 1. Gut. 1987 Nov;28(11):1500-4

      –

      PubMed

3. 1. Am J Surg. 1982 Feb;143(2):218-20

      –

      PubMed

4. 1. Surg Endosc. 1989;3(3):126-30

      –

      PubMed

5. 1. Gut. 1983 Jan;24(1):11-5

      –

      PubMed

Publication types

MeSH terms

Substances

Full text links

Springer

Cite

Format:

AMA

APA

MLA

NLM

Send To

Naturopathic & Non-Surgical Treatments for Gallstones

Over 10% of the population is estimated to suffer from gallstone disease at some time. True to their name, gallstones are hard, stone-like deposits that form inside the gallbladder. They can cause pain and digestive problems, leading to a decrease in a patient’s life quality.

Non-surgical treatment for gallstones or a naturopathic approach can be more suited when the disease is diagnosed early on and patients don’t present major symptoms.

In this article, we will discuss the causes and symptoms of this disease, and explore the possible treatments which may allow a patient to live with gallstones without surgery. Read on to find out more.

What are Gallstones?

Gallstone disease or cholelithiasis originates in the gallbladder, a small organ located on the right side of the abdomen, beneath the liver. The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver and released in the small intestine during the process of digestion.

Gallstones are hard, pebble-like deposits made out of cholesterol or bile pigments that precipitate when there is a local chemical imbalance.

Symptoms may appear when stones block the cystic duct (the tube that carries bile from the liver to the gallbladder) or the bile ducts (the tubes that carry bile to the small intestine). Large or abrasive stones can also cause local inflammation and even tear the gallbladder wall.

What are the Causes of Gallstones?

In normal circumstances, bile dissolves cholesterol and releases it into the small intestine. If the liver produces a large amount of cholesterol, the bile cannot dissolve the excess quantity, which will form crystals. These cholesterol crystals can adhere to mucus, dead cells, and other particles in the area to form gallstones. A similar thing can happen when the liver produces too much bilirubin pigment.

A sluggish bladder may also lead to the formation of gallstones. If the gallbladder doesn’t empty effectively, bile becomes very concentrated and may form a ‘sludge’. This concentrated digestive fluid can precipitate and form gallstones.

Diagnosis Methods

Ultrasound is one of the best techniques used to diagnose this disease. In fact, most gallstone cases are incidental findings during ultrasound investigations for other reasons, unrelated to the gallbladder.

In symptomatic cases, the physical examination and medical history can be a helpful guide for doctors. This would probably be accompanied by blood and urine examinations, as well as ultrasonography and abdominal X-ray.

Other diagnostic methods recommended by practice guidelines are the CT scan (computed tomography), MRCP (magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography), DIC-CT (drip infusion cholangiography associated computed tomography), ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography), EUS (endoscopic ultrasonography), IDUS (intraductal ultrasonography), and PTC (percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography).

Improve Your Health

Request a free 15 minute consultation

Book an Appointment

What are the Symptoms of Gallstones?

Approximately 80% of people with gallstones do not experience any kind of symptoms or develop complications for a long time. However, some of these asymptomatic patients may start to develop symptoms when the gallstones accumulate in a particular area or block the cystic duct.

Symptomatic cases are associated with episodic, severe pain in the upper abdomen. Biliary pain may radiate through the back and is sometimes accompanied by vomiting and nausea. Studies show that over 20% of patients may still present biliary pain even after the surgical removal of the gallbladder.

Pain is usually a consequence of the stones blocking the bile ducts or cystic ducts. If the ducts become permanently obstructed, other symptoms such as fever and jaundice might be present.

Risk Factors For Gallstones

• Age and sex – studies show that the presence of gallstones increases with age, and women are more likely to be affected than men.
• Genetics – relatives of gallstone patients are 5 times more predisposed than other people.
• Obesity – It causes an increased production of cholesterol in the liver.
• Diabetes and metabolic syndrome – both come with an increased risk of developing gallstones.
• Rapid weight loss and weight fluctuations – 30% to 70% of individuals who experience rapid weight loss develop gallstones.
• Dietary habits – Diets that are high in cholesterol, fatty acids, and carbohydrates, such as the Western diet. 
• Lifestyle factors – reduced physical activity.
• Chronic diseases – liver disease, Crohn’s disease, cystic fibrosis, spinal cord injuries, hematological diseases like Sickle disease.
• Drugs – Octreotide, Ceftriaxone, Thiazide diuretics, Statins.

Naturopathic Treatments For Gallstone

Natural treatments can be adjunctive and alternative to invasive medical interventions.  Naturopathic Doctors help patients understand what factors lead to this development and how to manage it in order to prevent it from impacting other areas of health.

Natural treatments can also be helpful in preventing gallstone disease. It’s important to know that before starting any kind of treatment, you should consult a medical professional such as a Naturopathic Doctor.

Diet

Eating the right things can be a form of treatment and prevention. Studies show that avoiding high-calorie diets that are rich in saturated fats and carbohydrates can lower the risk of developing gallstones. Vegetarian diets, and diets that are rich in fibers are associated with a lower risk of gallstone disease.

Studies have also shown that caffeinated coffee might have a role in preventing gallstone development. This protective effect seems to be related to the stimulating effect of coffee on bile flow.

Gallbladder cleanse

The gallbladder flush or gallbladder cleanse is one of the most popular remedies, but is unfortunately not backed by scientific data. It recommends consuming a mixture of apple juice, Epsom salt (labelled for internal use), and olive oil.

The cleanse is meant to act as a laxative and encourage the emptying of the gallbladder. Results for this remedy are varied and controversial and may be unsafe for people with underlying diseases, such as diabetes. Make sure to consult a medical specialist before starting any type of cleansing.

Apple cider vinegar

This remedy is often recommended as a treatment for gallstones. Although there are no actual studies to confirm the effect of apple cider vinegar on gallstones, some studies do praise other effects, such as lowering blood sugar.

Apple cider vinegar may also lower cholesterol levels, which might be useful in preventing the formation of gallstones. However, this kind of treatment can cause problems for people who have other disorders, such as diabetes, gastritis, and hypoglycemia.

Milk thistle

The active ingredient in this plant is called silymarin and has been used for a long time for the treatment of liver disease. There is scientific data on the activity of silymarin on gallbladder stones, and studies show that milk thistle has a protective effect on the liver and may prevent gallstones by promoting liver function and lowering cholesterol levels.

Artichoke

This well-known plant has many beneficial effects on the body. Studies show that it has a stimulating effect on the liver and gallbladder. It may help prevent gallbladder stones by stimulating the release of bile from the gallbladder.

Artichoke can be consumed in all forms, but taking artichoke extract supplements should only be done after consulting a medical specialist.

Acupuncture

This form of alternative medicine uses needles that are inserted in certain points of the body in order to stimulate the central nervous system.

One study has shown that acupuncture may help reduce pain associated with certain gallbladder diseases. One animal study claims that electro-acupuncture may help treat gallstone disease and lower cholesterol levels.

Improve your health naturally

Get Started On Your Naturopathic Journey Today

Book an Appointment

Non-Surgical Treatments for Gallstones

Dissolving Gallstones With Bile Acid Pills

Ursodiol and Chenodiol are bile acids that can be used to prevent the formation of gallstones, or for the treatment of gallstone disease. They work by changing the structure of crystalized cholesterol from the surface of the gallstone.

In one study, patients with rapid weight loss after a gastric bypass intervention were less likely to develop gallstones after they were given ursodiol. Unfortunately, this kind of treatment is not efficient for bilirubin gallstones.

Using Shock-Waves To Shatter Gallstones

ESWL or extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy uses shock waves that generate a pressure 1000 times greater than our atmosphere.

This shockwave is not absorbed by the body’s soft tissues, but it shatters the gallstones in its path. This method has proven effective for gallstones with a diameter of up to 3 cm.

This treatment method is generally followed by oral administration of medication meant to dissolve the fragmented stone and help its removal from the gallbladder.

Dissolving Gallstones With MTBE Injections

MTBE or methyl tert-butyl ether is a flammable liquid used as a gasoline additive. Its medical use is related to the chemical’s ability to dissolve gallstones. Its use is sometimes recommended if surgical or endoscopic interventions are not possible.

It is also efficient in dissolving bile pigment gallstones, but it is unfortunately associated with some side effects and a significant percentage of gallstone recurrence.

Draining The Gallbladder With Endoscopic Techniques

Endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder drainage is an alternative non-surgical treatment for patients with severe symptoms of gallbladder disease. This type of procedure uses a stent to enlarge the gallbladder opening to allow drainage and the removal of gallstones.

This method has many advantages, like being cost-efficient and eliminating the risk of pancreatitis associated with ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography). It also has a success rate of up to 95%.

Alternatives for Gallstone Surgery

Percutaneous Cholecystostomy Allows Easy Access To The Gallbladder

This method is an alternative to the surgical removal of the gallbladder and involves placing a tube in the gallbladder lumen to facilitate drainage and provide a potential route for stone removal or dissolution.

The term percutaneous means through the skin, and cholecystostomy means the creation of an opening in the gallbladder. This method of treatment requires only local anesthesia and uses ultrasound guidance for the puncturing and insertion of the tube. The tube is maintained in place for the duration of the treatment.

Transmural Drainage Decompresses a Swollen Gallbladder

This method is generally recommended for complicated cases associated with local inflammation (cholecystitis). It uses endoscopic ultrasound for the guiding and insertion of a tube through the gallbladder wall that allows the drainage of bile. Instead of puncturing the skin, the surgeon will insert the tube through the stomach or the small intestine.

The efficiency and safety of this method are comparable to the percutaneous cholecystostomy method, and results seem to vary with the quality and types of materials used in the procedure.

Book your appointment today

Get A Free 15 minute Consultation Today

Book an Appointment

Living with Gallstones

Gallstones don’t cause any symptoms in most cases, so living with this disease is a real possibility. In fact, most doctors don’t recommend any invasive treatment if their patients don’t show signs of discomfort.

With some lifestyle changes and proper management, it may be possible to live the rest of your life without your gallstones causing any problems or complications.

• Eat bitter vegetables – Sure, bitter is an acquired taste for most of us, but it does have some benefits. Studies show that bitter substances may increase the body’s use of energy, improve insulin sensitivity, and most importantly, encourage the release of hormones that regulate the bile acids metabolism. Some bitter foods you can try are dandelion leaves, radicchio, chicory, aubergine, kale, and nettles.

• Stick to an anti-inflammatory diet – this is not a diet in itself, but rather a dietary habit. This type of diet includes fruits, vegetables, fish, and healthy types of oils. It also discourages the consumption of processed foods, saturated fats, red meat, and alcohol.

• Maintain a healthy weight – many diseases are associated with or are aggravated by unhealthy weight gains. Maintaining a healthy weight can help your general health and keep your liver in healthy parameters. It may also limit the production of cholesterol.

• Maintain an active lifestyle – stress, inflammation, and many other disorders are associated with a sedentary lifestyle. Studies have shown that physical activity may decrease the risk of gallbladder disease and can have a general positive effect on the body.

• Use herbs and supplements – bitter herbs and spices like turmeric, saffron, and dill may promote bile production and regulate bile salt activity. Some supplements like Vitamin C may also have a positive effect on gallbladder health.

Would you like to treat or prevent gallstones through nutritional support? We can help!

Annex Naturopathic’s experts can provide nutritional support to help you treat and prevent gallstones.

Book your consultation today

Frequently Asked Questions About Gallstones

Can you live with gallstones without surgery?

Yes, most people are unaware of their gallstones and they live most of their lives without any symptoms. If your gallstones don’t cause discomfort, pain, or other symptoms, surgery shouldn’t even be one of the treatment options.

What happens if you leave gallstones untreated?

It varies from person to person. Some patients can live their whole lives without symptoms or without requiring any kind of treatment, and other patients start to develop symptoms if the stones cause local obstructions or if the gallbladder lining is hurt by abrasive stones.  

What is the most common treatment for gallstones?

The most common treatment for gallstones is cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder. This kind of radical treatment only applies to patients who have symptoms such as pain, digestive problems, or jaundice.

Modern treatment of cholelithiasis – Konchalovsky City Clinical Hospital M. P. Konchalovsky was told by the head of the surgical department of the clinic, candidate of medical sciences A. N. Kanshin.

Alexey Nikolaevich, who is at risk?

Cholelithiasis (GSD) and chronic calculous cholecystitis are detected in adults older than 30-40 years, and women are 5 times more likely than men. Complications of gallstone disease, as a rule, manifest themselves at a later age, and the older the patient, the more dangerous they are for him. In general, this problem was and remains very relevant today. Calculous cholecystitis and its complications are found in 20-25% of patients in surgical departments of Moscow hospitals.

What threatens this disease?

Complications of cholelithiasis are very diverse. Most often it is acute calculous cholecystitis, when stones clog the cervical segment of the bladder or cystic duct, preventing the outflow of bile from the gallbladder. Mechanical blockage quickly leads to inflammatory changes in the gallbladder wall, its gangrene and perforation with the development of peritonitis or abscess. If the stone managed to slip further, which is accompanied by an attack of hepatic colic, there is a blockage of the common bile duct with the development of obstructive jaundice and cholangitis. This condition requires an already stepwise approach to treatment and poses a threat to the life of the patient.

Acute pancreatitis often occurs with exacerbation of cholelithiasis and cholangitis, as a rule, its most severe form is pancreatic necrosis. Such patients immediately enter the intensive care unit, treatment can be delayed for months. Knowing about their disease, these patients have been observed in polyclinics for years, experience attacks of hepatic colic at home, are afraid to go to the surgeon, and try to be treated on their own. It is important to know that the use of choleretic drugs in this case can only worsen the condition and cause additional complications. Only a timely visit to the doctor and the implementation of surgical intervention after a comprehensive examination and relief of possible complications can be a reliable prevention of all the conditions listed above.

What are the treatments?

In case of a clinically diagnosed attack of cholelithiasis, acute cholecystitis clinic, intensive conservative treatment is carried out during the first day. Doctors try to stop the inflammatory process and restore the natural outflow of bile. An emergency ultrasound is also performed, which provides objective information about the size of the gallbladder, the condition of its walls and lumen, the presence of stones and complications. If the treatment gives a positive result, it is continued. In parallel, a comprehensive examination is carried out, indications for a delayed or planned operation are clarified.

So you have to do the operation?

In the presence of destructive changes in the wall of the gallbladder, patients are operated on an emergency basis. The type of intervention is determined by the somatic status of the patient, his age, and depends on the presence of peritonitis. Emergency operations in patients over 80 years of age are extremely risky, which often forces surgeons to resolve an attack with minimally invasive, sparing measures that do not solve the whole problem as a whole. Therefore, it is necessary to be examined and treated in a planned manner as early as possible. At the present stage of development of abdominal surgery, new high-tech, non-invasive diagnostic methods, such as ultrasound and MRI, are widely used. This made it possible to quickly and objectively establish the diagnosis of cholelithiasis, assess the degree of inflammatory changes in the gallbladder wall, and determine the presence of complications. If the examination revealed chronic calculous cholecystitis in you, this is an indication for a planned operation.

What types of surgical treatment are used in our hospital?

GKB im. MP Konchalovsky is one of the largest clinics in Moscow, with many years of tradition. Here the surgical service occupies one of the central places. The department employs experienced doctors with extensive practice, who have long established themselves in Zelenograd. After a major overhaul and re-equipment of the operating unit with the latest equipment: laparoscopic racks, instruments, video visualization tools, our capabilities have increased significantly. We offer unique methods in the treatment of gallstone disease. Our ideology is to combine the most modern technologies, materials and an individual approach to each patient. During the year we perform up to 500 only elective operations for patients with cholecystitis, mainly by laparoscopic access. This method allows minimizing injuries, since the operation is performed through four punctures in the abdominal wall under the control of a video camera. With good dynamics, we discharge patients for 2-3 days. The presence of a powerful base of the hospital is a guarantee that in the event of any complications, or the detection or progression of other diseases, you will receive timely highly qualified assistance from a specialized specialist. This distinguishes our hospital from other medical centers.

How to prepare for an elective surgery?

Preparation for elective surgery begins at the polyclinic at the place of residence. After the examination, the surgeon prescribes the necessary examination. Based on its results, in the absence of contraindications to hospitalization, the patient is referred for a consultation with our specialists.

In the consultative and diagnostic department of the polyclinic No. 1 of the City Clinical Hospital named after. M. P. Konchalovsky (former GP No. 65), I am receiving. I study the indications, the results of analyzes and studies, make a decision on the terms of hospitalization, give a referral. Sometimes there is a need for additional diagnostics.

By the way, if the patient cannot or does not want to be examined on an outpatient basis, we are ready to conduct all the necessary examinations in the hospital right on the day of hospitalization on a commercial basis. And you can come to a consultative appointment with our specialists without a referral from the attending surgeon from the clinic, by concluding an agreement and paying for it. In the absence of a compulsory medical insurance policy, you also need to contact our department of paid services. You will be offered the optimal program of examination and treatment using all the possibilities we have. If desired, you can improve the conditions of stay in the hospital in the wards of increased comfort.

We are waiting for you in our hospital and will answer all your questions.

Treatment of cholelithiasis (GSD) – diagnosis and treatment of cholelithiasis without surgery in the Tibet clinic

Benefits of treatment at the Tibet Clinic

• Non-surgical treatment of cholelithiasis!
• Treatment without pills and side effects
• Initial doctor’s consultation FREE OF CHARGE

Verified by an expert

Nemeeva Elena Etyaevna

Head of the consultative and diagnostic department, neurologist, phytotherapist. Doctor of the highest category, member of the Professional Association of Naturotherapists Date of verification: 10/18/2022

CONTENT:

• Inflammation of the pancreas in cholelithiasis
• Biliary colic and other complications of cholelithiasis
• Operate or treat GSD?
• Diet for cholelithiasis
• Causes and symptoms of cholelithiasis
• Treatment of cholelithiasis
• Results of treatment of cholelithiasis
• Our doctors
• Prices
• Reviews
• Get a bonus for treatment

Gallstone disease is a disease in which stones form in the gallbladder, liver, or bile ducts. This process is called cholelithiasis.

Usually, the formation of stones is accompanied by inflammation of the gallbladder – cholecystitis. Hence another name for the disease is calculous cholecystitis.

Tibetan medicine uses methods of non-surgical treatment of gallstone disease. In the clinic “Tibet” they give positive results in more than 90% of cases. To achieve them, our doctors use herbal medicine, nutrition correction and combined reflexology.

In modern Western medicine, the treatment of gallstone disease is carried out with the help of an operation – the removal of the gallbladder. But this approach has many disadvantages. Oriental phyto- and reflexology help to avoid them.

Inflammation of the pancreas in cholelithiasis

Dysmotility of the biliary tract, the formation of stones and their movement, the inflammatory process affect the pancreas, impede the movement of pancreatic juice and can cause reactive pancreatitis. If inflammation of the pancreas accompanies calculous cholecystitis, the diagnosis of cholecystopancreatitis is determined.

Biliary colic and other complications of cholelithiasis

The most serious complication of this disease is biliary, or hepatic colic. They occur when stones move and block the bile duct. The evacuation of bile stops completely. Bile actively enters the bloodstream, which leads to acute symptoms of intoxication, in particular, yellowing of the skin and eye proteins. This is called obstructive jaundice.

Blockage of the common bile duct causes acute muscle spasm and an attack of unbearable pain in the right hypochondrium. The pain is accompanied by repeated vomiting, nausea. Due to the lack of bile, fats cannot be broken down, digested. There are symptoms of beriberi, there is a sharp violation of digestion.

Another serious complication is perforation of the gallbladder. In the place of accumulation of stones, the muscular wall becomes thinner, stretches under the influence of gravity. Its breakthrough threatens extensive inflammation – peritonitis, abdominal abscess and toxic shock. As a result, death may occur.

Treatment of cholelithiasis using Tibetan medicine methods avoids these and other complications.

Operate or treat GSD?

Removal of the gallbladder is a radical method offered by Western medicine. It is indicated in cases where the filling of the gallbladder with stones reaches such a degree that it makes it impossible to work. This condition is called gallbladder shutdown syndrome. The operation is also indicated at a high risk of complications – obstructive jaundice, perforation and peritonitis.

But surgery does not eliminate the causes of stone formation. They are 80% cholesterol. In men, cholesterol is deposited in the walls of blood vessels, so they are more susceptible to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases.

In women, it falls out in the form of gallstones, so women are several times more susceptible to gallstone disease. Removal of the gallbladder leads to the fact that cholesterol begins to be deposited in the vessels. Women develop atherosclerosis according to the male scenario. Hence the increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Removal of the reservoir in which bile is stored leads to the fact that it enters the duodenum 12, regardless of whether there is food in it or not. In the absence of food, this leads to irritation of the walls of the duodenum and the development of inflammation – chronic duodenitis.

The absence of a reservoir in which bile is stored does not allow it to “ripen”. Its low concentration cannot ensure the full digestion of fats. Digestion is disturbed and this problem becomes chronic after surgery.

In addition, bile, as a strong alkali, destroys pathogenic microbes that have survived in the acidic environment of the stomach. The reduced concentration of the alkaline environment leads to the fact that these bacteria survive in the duodenum 12. After that, they enter the intestines and suppress healthy microflora. This explains the fact that dysbacteriosis is often observed after surgery.

These disadvantages and side effects of surgery make non-surgical treatment the preferred solution.

Diet for cholelithiasis

Causes and symptoms of cholelithiasis

The liver produces bile continuously. It is a greenish-yellow viscous alkaline liquid. Without it, the digestion of fats would be impossible. The pancreas works in tandem with the liver. Bile and secretion of the pancreas enter the duodenum and digest fats that come here from the stomach. Between meals, bile is stored in a reservoir called the gallbladder, which is located under the liver and looks like a small sac.

When food enters, the walls of the gallbladder contract and bile is injected into the duodenum. The duct through which it enters is called the choledochus. In the case of muscle spasm, the choledochus becomes compressed and bile is blocked in the gallbladder. Her evacuation is disturbed, she stagnates.

The gallbladder is not just a reservoir. Bile is not only stored in it, but also “ripens”. Liquid is drawn out through the walls of this reservoir, as a result, the concentration of bile increases. If it stagnates for a long time, the concentration becomes excessive, critical, and a precipitate begins to fall out of it. At first it looks like the smallest grains of sand. They are made up of cholesterol, lime or bilirubin. Over time, these small formations stick together, cake and form dense calculi. These are gallstones.

Spasms of the biliary tract can occur due to nervous stress, which is one of the causes of a common diagnosis – biliary dyskinesia (BBD). Another possible cause is an endocrine disorder, in particular, from the thyroid gland.

Stones gradually fill the space of the gallbladder. Its working volume (lumen) decreases, and its functions deteriorate. This leads to indigestion. Stone formation is usually accompanied by inflammation. Hence such symptoms as pain, heaviness in the right hypochondrium. This pain may radiate to the right shoulder blade, heart. If pain in the region of the heart continues for a long time, cholecystocardial syndrome is determined.

Inadequate bile intake disrupts digestion, which is manifested by nausea, heartburn, vomiting, a bitter or metallic taste in the mouth.

If the working volume of the gallbladder is reduced to a minimum or it is constantly full, the liver can no longer use it to store the bile it produces. It stagnates in the liver and enters the bloodstream. Liver cells have a special structure. They simultaneously have exits to the bile ducts and to the bloodstream. If the bile ducts are blocked, bile enters the bloodstream. This leads to yellowing of the skin and eye sclera, skin itching and other signs of jaundice.

Treatment of cholelithiasis

Treatment of cholelithiasis in the clinic “Tibet” is carried out without the use of surgical methods. It eliminates the reason why stones form and also reduces the size of the stones. The results of their dissolution depend on the composition of the calculi, and not the price of treatment, which is determined objectively.

Cholesterol stones dissolve best. They account for up to 80% of cases. First of all, these are “floating stones”. They may not show symptoms, but one day, suddenly lead to blockage of the bile duct and acute development of jaundice with the inevitable hospitalization and surgery. Therefore, if such a “floating” stone is detected by ultrasound, you need to treat it. For this, Tibetan medicine has the most effective methods.

Nemeeva Elena Etyaevna
Head of the consultative and diagnostic department, neurologist, phytotherapist. Doctor of the highest category, member of the Professional Association of Naturotherapists
Experience 33 years

1st stage (diagnosis)

At the initial appointment, the doctor conducts a patient survey, external examination and pulse diagnostics. The study of the pulse reports on the work of the liver, gallbladder, pancreas. Based on these data, the doctor evaluates the influence of the nervous factor, the nature of nutrition, the accumulation of cold in the body, and endocrine disorders. After that, he prescribes individual treatment to eliminate the cause of stone formation.

Stage 2 (treatment of symptoms and causes of stone formation)

To eliminate the disease, the doctor affects one, two or all three regulatory systems of the body. Its results are achieved through the combination and synergy of various procedures and herbal medicine.

Acupuncture

Thin, sterile needles are inserted into the bioactive points of the meridians of the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and nervous system. Acupuncture normalizes the motility of the biliary tract, relieves spasms, improves the evacuation of bile from the gallbladder, liver function, and helps to normalize the composition and concentration of bile. This method improves digestion, digestion of fats, eliminates nervous stresses and their consequences, treats inflammatory processes, and reduces indicators of “bad” cholesterol.

Acupressure

Acupressure is performed along the same meridians and bioactive points as acupuncture. Acupressure helps relieve muscle spasms and improve the functioning of the liver, gallbladder, pancreas.

Moxibustion

It is used along the meridians of the body to treat cold diseases, which include cholelithiasis. Normalizes metabolism and blood cholesterol levels, has an anti-inflammatory effect in calculous cholecystitis, reactive pancreatitis, duodenitis.

Phytotherapy

Tibetan drugs improve the functioning of the liver, gallbladder and bile ducts, have a therapeutic effect on the nervous system, help eliminate stress, relieve muscle spasms, and reduce the level of “bad” cholesterol. Usually, for the treatment of gallstone disease, Tibetan preparations of the Gurgum, Garnag series or other directional herbal preparations are used. In addition to restoring the balance of the Mhris-pa system, they help dissolve gallstones or reduce their size.

Supply correction

In the case of diseases of the Mhris-pa system, nutritional correction has a significant therapeutic effect. First of all, the doctor recommends giving up fatty, fried foods, reducing the consumption of alcoholic beverages or eliminating them.

The recommended list of products depends on the cause and characteristics of the disease, but in any case, nutrition should be fractional. This means eating 5-6 times a day in small portions. Hot food is harmful to the Mhris-pa system, and cold food is harmful to cold diseases. Therefore, in the case of cholelithiasis, food should be warm, not greasy, not spicy, preferably steamed, baked, stewed or boiled.

The treatment session includes acupuncture, acupressure and additional methods. Phytotherapy plays an important or main role. The treatment course is usually 10-15 sessions. After the end of the course, supportive phytotherapy is prescribed, which consolidates the results.

Results of treatment of cholelithiasis

In all cases where surgery can be avoided, treatment with Tibetan medicine is the best option. It makes it possible not only to stop the process of stone formation, but also to reduce the volume of stones, increase the lumen of the gallbladder, and improve its functioning. Our results are:

• restoration of the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, digestion, metabolism,
• disappearance of symptoms – nausea, bitterness in the mouth, pain or heaviness in the right hypochondrium, pain attacks of colic,
• normalization of motility of the gallbladder, biliary tract,
• removal of emotional, mental stress, chronic stress, increased resistance to stress,
• elimination of inflammation of the gallbladder, prevention of its complications,
• elimination of concomitant inflammatory diseases – reactive pancreatitis, duodenitis,
• prevention of surgery (cholecystectomy) and its side effects.