Customer question:
How to get rid of gallstones? Anonymous customer's question
Pharmacist's answer:
Getting rid of gallstones - whether this is possible depends mainly on the type of stones, the severity of the symptoms, and the general state of health of the individual. There are different approaches and methods of treatment:
- Monitoring and diet: if the gallstones are minor and do not cause symptoms, the doctor may recommend monitoring the condition over time and adjusting the diet. Eating foods rich in fiber and low in fat and limiting fatty food consumption are recommended.
- Medications: Sometimes, the doctor may prescribe medications to help dissolve gallstones. These drugs usually contain ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), which can help dissolve cholesterol stones. Treatment with these drugs is usually long-term and not consistently practical for all types of stones.
- Lithotripsy: This procedure breaks up gallstones using high-intensity sound waves. It is usually used for small stones located in the bile duct.
- Cholecystectomy: This is a surgical procedure to remove the gallbladder. If the stones cause recurring problems, are too large to dissolve, or be removed by other methods, your doctor may recommend a cholecystectomy. Today, this procedure is usually performed laparoscopically, which means less surgery and a faster recovery.
- Endoscopic procedures: An endoscopic procedure called endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) may be used for stones lodged in the bile ducts. During this procedure, an endoscope removes stones or dilates the bile ducts.
The choice of treatment method depends on individual circumstances, such as the size of the stones, the presence of symptoms, the general state of health, and individual preference. Treatment of gallstones always requires a consultation with a doctor, who will recommend the most appropriate treatment strategy based on diagnostic tests and the clinical picture.
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