In the long river of medical health, gallbladder stones are like a ** stone, quietly sliding into people's lives, until a certain moment, the beam of physical examination illuminates its existence, and people realize the fragility of health. The words "gallbladder stones" on the physical examination report often make people wonder and feel uneasy: what kind of health code is hidden in this small stone? Does everyone who carries it have to face the door of the operating room? Further questions arise, will these stones become a malignant threat and quietly erode the health of life?
Gallstones, medically known as cholelithiasis, are a common biliary tract disease whose formation is closely related to a variety of factors. Most of these stones are made up of substances such as cholesterol, bile pigments, and calcium salts, which are deposited in the gallbladder to form solid particles. Some people may live with stones for years without realizing it, as they tend to be asymptomatic without causing a blockage. However, once the stone travels to the cystic duct, it can cause severe pain, medically known as biliary colic, and may also be accompanied by symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.
The formation of gallstones is related to an individual's dietary habits, lifestyle, and genetic factors。A high-fat, high-cholesterol diet, as well as obesity and rapid weight loss, may increase the risk of gallstones. In addition, certain physical conditions, such as abnormal glucose metabolism, may also contribute to the formation of stones.
For gallstones, not every case requires immediate action. The key is to assess whether the stone is causing symptoms and whether there is a risk of complications. For those "silent" stones that don't cause symptoms, immediate action may not be necessary, but your doctor may recommend regular monitoring to see if changes in the stones may trigger future health problems.
This is especially important once the stones cause symptoms such as biliary colic, cholecystitis or cholangitis. Options range from medications to surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) and depend on the individual's specific condition and the characteristics of the stone.
*Choice of method: non-surgical vs. surgical**.
For gallstones that cause symptoms or complications, surgery** is usually preferred. Cholecystectomy, especially laparoscopic cholecystectomy, has become the mainstream method of gallstones because of its small trauma and fast recovery. This surgery is performed in the abdomen through several small incisions, utilizing laparoscopic instruments to remove the gallbladder, thus addressing the problems caused by the stones.
Non-surgical methods include medications and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, among others, which may be appropriate for patients in specific situations, such as those who are unable to undergo surgery for various reasons。However, these methods may not solve the root cause of the problem, and there is a possibility that the stone will form again.
The association between gallstones and gallbladder cancer has been a focus of medical research. While most people who carry stones do not develop gallbladder cancer, long-standing stones, especially large stones, are thought to increase the risk of gallbladder cancer. This increased risk may be related to long-term inflammation caused by stones, which can lead to changes in gallbladder tissue that increase the likelihood of cancer.
Understanding that gallstones may increase the risk of gallbladder cancer is critical for individuals to make health decisions. This does not mean that everyone should rush to have their gallbladder removed, but rather should work closely with a doctor to make the most appropriate decision based on the individual's risk factors and health status.