Is Gallbladder Stone Treatment Without Operation Possible?

Gallbladder stones, or cholelithiasis, affect millions globally and are common in regions like India, where around 4% of the population suffers from the condition, compared to 10% in Western countries. It is a silent condition, usually found through ultrasonography (USG) ordered by physicians to diagnose other abdominal conditions. 

If you have gallstones, there are several different treatment options available. Your treatment will be based on your gallstones' signs, symptoms, and characteristics. 

Well, the common recommendation for gallbladder stones is surgery, but there are a lot of people who seek non-surgical treatment when stones are asymptomatic or manageable without immediate surgery. 

These non-invasive treatments include dietary changes and lifestyle modifications to decrease the size of gallstones and prevent the forming of new stones again. 

This blog will explore effective, non-surgical approaches to treating gallbladder stones and gain insights into maintaining a healthy gallbladder without surgery.

Treatments of Gallstones without Surgery

There are many treatments available for gallbladder stones without surgery. Here are some non-surgical treatments-

Oral Dissolution Therapy

This is a non-invasive therapy. Your doctor will recommend some medications to dissolve your gallbladder stones. These medicines will slowly break down the stones. Moreover, it is a long-term process that might take several months to years to remove the stones.

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)

Patients who do not want to undergo surgical treatment can benefit from ESWL. This procedure is a non-surgical alternative to managing gallstones. During the procedure, the doctor uses high-frequency sound waves to break down gallstones. The broken particles will easily pass through the bile duct or dissolve stones. 

Gallbladder Disease Treatment: Endoscopic Gallbladder Stenting

Endoscopic gallbladder stenting is a minimally invasive procedure to remove gallstones. It is good for people who do not want to undergo surgery. During the procedure, the doctor inserts a stent from the gallbladder to the duodenum. This stent relieves biliary symptoms and other complications. 

Complications of Gallbladder Stones

There might be several complications of gallbladder stones. For instance, if gallbladder stones block bile flow, it may cause severe inflammation and affect various body organs. However, it is possible that in some people, gallstones do not show any symptoms, while in some people, they may cause serious health issues that require medical attention. Here are some life-threatening complications and problems of gallbladder stones- 

Complications include:

• Cholangitis (bile duct inflammation).
• Septicemia (an infection in your bloodstream).
• Gallbladder perforation
• Hepatitis (liver inflammation).
• Acute Cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation).
• Pancreatitis (pancreas inflammation).
• Jaundice (bile in your bloodstream).

What causes Gallstones?

There might be various reasons for causing gallstones. Here are some important ones-

• Excess cholesterol in the Bile—These are the most common type of gallstones, accounting for about 80% of cases. Bile contains chemicals that help dissolve cholesterol excreted by the liver. If the liver excretes too much cholesterol for bile to dissolve, the excess can crystallize and form cholesterol gallstones.
• Too much Bilirubin in Bile is a yellow substance made when the RBC breaks down. Too much bilirubin can cause stones. Additionally, it often causes liver disease and blood disorders. 
• Gallbladder Emptying Issues—When the gallbladder does not empty completely or frequently enough, bile becomes concentrated, increasing the risk of stone formation.
• Diet and Obesity- A high-cholesterol diet, saturated fats, and low-fiber food can increase your risk of gallstone formation. Excess body weight can also increase your cholesterol gallstones to form.
• Try to lose some Weight. If you lose weight too quickly, the liver can produce extra cholesterol in bile, which can result in gallstone formation. 
• Pregnancy and Hormonal Factors- During pregnancy, hormone replacement therapy or birth control can increase your cholesterol levels in bile and increase the risk of gallstone formation.
• Diabetes and Insulin Resistance—Diabetic people are at high risk of fatty acids called triglycerides. This may increase your chances of having cholesterol gallstones. 
• Genetic Factors and Family History—If any of your family members have a history of gallbladder stones, your risk of developing the disease may also increase.  

Tips to Prevent Gallbladder Stones Treatment Without Operation

Here are some of the best tips that will help you prevent gallbladder stones without operation- 

Dietary Modifications

High-fat foods may increase gallstone symptoms by boosting the gallbladder. But what should you do? You need to reduce the consumption of fried foods and include more fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, etc., to benefit digestion and reduce cholesterol levels. 

Also, keep your hydration levels up, as this will support liver and gallbladder function and lower your risk of stone development. 

Weight Management

Being overweight increases the risk of forming gallbladder stones. Maintain a healthy weight with a healthy, nutritious diet and exercise. 

Regular Physical Activity

Exercise at least 30 minutes daily. You can also try simple exercises like brisk walking, cycling, or swimming. 

Manage Your Medical Conditions

If you have diabetes, learn how to manage it. Maintaining your blood sugar levels can lower your risk of gallstones. 

Get your cholesterol levels checked with diet, exercise, and medications.

Herbal Remedies and Supplements 

• Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. You should use turmeric to reduce gallbladder inflammation and improve bile flow. It helps to remove mild gallstone issues.
• Some people use apple cider vinegar diluted in water as a home remedy to reduce gallstones or relieve indigestion. 

What tests detect Gallstones?

 If you are experiencing symptoms of gallstones, book your appointment with your healthcare provider as soon as possible. They will start your diagnosis with an ultrasound and may recommend additional tests. 

Here are some other important tests include-

• HIDA scan.
• Endoscopic ultrasound.
• MRCP (magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography).
• ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography)

The Key Takeaways

Gallbladder stones can be caused due to various factors, including diet, weight, hormonal changes, and genetics. But now you know what to do and tips to prevent gallstone formation. 

While the above methods of removing gallbladder stones without operation can help manage and dissolve gallstones, if you want to reduce your risk of developing gallstones, then follow the above preventive tips, such as eating a balanced diet and managing weight. Remember to consult your doctor if you experience any abnormal symptoms.

FAQ’s 

1. Is it possible to remove gallstones without surgery?

Yes, Gallstones can be removed with Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), oral medications, Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and other treatments. 

2. Can I remove gallstones without removing the gallbladder?

Yes, you can remove gallstones without removing your gallbladder, including methods like Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), Percutaneous cholangioscopy, Endoscopic gallbladder stenting, and more.