Can Gallstones Go Away Without Surgery?

Dr.Arun Bhardwaj, 3 mins read

Gallstones are hardened deposits that are formed in the gallbladder, a small organ under the liver. They are made from cholesterol or other substances found in bile, the fluid that helps digest fat. Many people have gallstones and don’t even know it. But for some, gallstones can cause pain, nausea, and other symptoms.

A common question which generally arises in the minds of people,  "Can gallstones go away without surgery?". The answer depends on many things. In this blog, we can explore the possibilities of removing gallstones without surgery.  

Types of Gallstones

1. Cholesterol stones: These are the most common type of stone and are made mostly of cholesterol. 
2. Pigment stones: These are made of calcium and bilirubin and often seen in people with liver disease.
   

Some gallstones are very small and may not cause any problems. These are referred to as silent gallstones. 

When Surgery Is Needed

If you have frequent pain, infections, or complications like inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis), your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the gallbladder. This surgery is called cholecystectomy. It is a common and safe operation. People can live a normal life without a gallbladder.

Are there any non surgical methods by which gallstones can be removed? The answer is yes. There are a few non-surgical options for gallstones removal but they don’t work for everyone.

1. Medications

Certain medicines such as ursodiol or chenodiol, can dissolve cholesterol gallstones. They work slowly and may take months or even years to dissolve the stones. Also, they only work on cholesterol stones, not pigment stones. The stones may come back if the treatment is stopped.

2. Dietry and Lifestyle Changes

A healthy diet can’t remove existing gallstones, but it may help prevent more stones from forming in the following ways: 

• Eat more fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
  
• Avoid fatty, fried, and processed foods.
  
• Maintain a healthy weight as obesity increases the risk of gallstones.
  
• Lose weight slowly as rapid weight loss can lead to gallstones.

3. Shock Wave Therapy

In rare cases, doctors may use shock wave therapy, also called lithotripsy, to break up gallstones. This is not common and is usually only used for patients who cannot have surgery and have just one or a few stones.

Do Gallstones Ever Go Away On Their Own?

Some small gallstones may pass into the intestines and leave the body without causing problems. However, most gallstones stay in the gallbladder and may cause trouble later. They usually do not go away on their own and need to be surgically removed.

Conclusion

Although surgery is the most effective treatment for troublesome gallstones, there are some people who can manage their condition without it, particularly if the stones are small and not causing symptoms. A healthy diet, medicines, and lifestyle changes may help in certain cases. But it’s important to talk to your doctor to find the best treatment for you.

If you ever feel sudden stomach pain, fever, or yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), consult our experts at Aakash Healthcare Super Speciality Hospital, Dwarka as these can be signs of a serious gallstone problem.