Treatments for Gallstones

by ]]>Editorial Staff and Contributors]]>

The treatment and management of gallstones involves taking a wait-and-see approach, using medications, surgery, or other treatments as decided by you and your doctor. The exception to this approach is anyone who has large (more than 3 centimeter) gallstones, has gallbladder polyps, or is at high risk for ]]>gallbladder cancer]]> .

Unless your gallbladder is surgically removed, gallstones may recur.

Click on the following to learn about the treatment options for gallstones:

]]>Lifestyle changes]]>
]]>Medications]]>
]]>Surgery]]>
]]>Alternative and complementary therapies]]>
]]>Other treatments]]>

References:

Adler DG, Baron TH, Davila RE, et al. ASGE guideline: the role of ERCP in diseases of the biliary tract and the pancreas. Gastrointest Endosc. 2005;62:1-8.

Ahmed A, Cheung RC, Keefe EB. Management of gallstones and their complications. Am Fam Physician. 2000;61:1673-1678.

Clayton ES, Connor S, Alexakis N, Leandros E. Meta-analysis of endoscopy and surgery versus surgery alone for common bile duct stones with the gallbladder in situ. Br J Surg. 2006;93:1185-1191.

Last reviewed November 2008 by ]]>Daus Mahnke, MD]]>

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.