The treatment ofgallbladder diseasedepends on the throw in of disease.
This article discusses the types of treatment available for gallbladder disease, including surgeries, procedures, and medication.
It also discusses lifestyle changes that may help prevent it.
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Most gallstones cause no symptoms and therefore do not warrant treatment.
When they do cause pain, though, surgery is generally needed.
However, there are non-surgical procedures, mostly for people who are too high-risk to undergo surgery.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Cholecystectomy
Acholecystectomyis the most effective treatment for gallbladder disease.
It’s performed under general anesthesia in an operating room.
A laparoscopic cholecystectomy is done on an outpatient basis.
You’ll likely be able to return to normal activity levels after a week.
Open Cholecystectomy
In an open cholecystectomy, a large abdominal cut is made to remove the gallbladder.
It’s usually performed when your gallbladder is severely inflamed, infected, or scarred.
This surgery is more invasive and takes longer to recover from than a laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
You may be in the hospital for a week and return to normal activities after a month.
Sometimes, more tissues are removed depending on how far the cancer has spread.
For example, the common bile duct, pancreas, or part of the liver may be removed.
Radiation and chemotherapy may also be used to treat gallbladder cancer.
While this is generally temporary, it may persist for years in some people.
There may be more serious side effects from an extended cholecystectomy for gallbladder cancer.
The bile drains through a drainage bulb connected to the end of the catheter.
This procedure is performed under sedation and uses shock waves to break up gallstones into tiny pieces.
They can then dissolve and drain out of the gallbladder.
A contrast dye is then injected through the tube to visualize the bile ducts on X-ray.
In addition to providing a diagnosis, an ERCP is also therapeutic.
This means a healthcare provider can treat the condition at the same time.
For the most part, ERCP has replaced surgery for the treatment of bile duct problems in patients.
You’ll be sedated during an ERCP to prevent any discomfort and to ensure you’re relaxed.
Prescriptions
Medications aren’t usually used to get rid of gallstones.
In some cases where surgery isn’t recommended, healthcare providers may prescribe medicine to dissolve cholesterol gallstones.
If you’re experiencing pain, a healthcare provider may prescribe medications to help manage symptoms.
It’s important to note that opioids often make people sleepy and commonly cause constipation.
Your healthcare provider may recommend taking a laxative along with your pain pill.
These are the most common pop in of gallstone in the United States.
Therefore, a bile acid pill is not a good option for people with recurrent gallstone attacks.
These will be given in the hospital along with fluids and pain control.
These should not replace traditional treatment but may be used along with your healthcare provider’s guidance.
It’s important not to take any herbs or other supplements without checking with your healthcare provider first.
Some may cause side effects or interactions with different medications.
However, evidence is limited for its effects on gallstones.
Other studies have found thatLysimachiae herba, also called gold coin grass, may help prevent cholesterol gallstones.
More research is needed to support these claims.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been found in studies to help relieve pain from gallbladder disease.
However, the research is limited showing its effectiveness in getting rid of gallstones.
Lifestyle
While lifestyle changes can’t treat gallbladder diseases, they may help to prevent them.
If you have gallstones without any symptoms, a healthy lifestyle may help keep them from becoming symptomatic.
Adopting a gallbladder-friendly diet may help prevent further gallbladder attacks.
A gallbladder-friendly diet includes plenty of fiber and is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Healthy proteins like lean meats, fish, tofu, or beans are preferable to fatty red meat.
Other non-surgical procedures to remove gallstones include percutaneous removal, ESWL, and ERCP.
A Word From Verywell
When treating gallbladder disease, several options are available.
Surgery is usually considered the most effective treatment, but non-surgical options may be appropriate for some cases.
Let a healthcare provider know if you’re experiencing any symptoms.
In severe cases, surgery may be considered.
Gallbladder sludge consists of particles left over from bile in the gallbladder.
Most of the time, it doesn’t cause symptoms, and treatment isn’t necessary.
If it causes complications, such as gallstones or pancreatitis, surgery may be recommended.
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