How do you get rid of gallstones?

1. Medical Treatment:

- Medications: Certain medications can help dissolve gallstones or reduce their size. These include ursodeoxycholic acid (Actigall, Ursodiol) and chenodiol (Chenix).

- Oral Bile Salts: These medications help the gallbladder empty more efficiently and can help prevent gallstone formation.

- Antibiotics: If there is an infection in the gallbladder or bile ducts, antibiotics may be prescribed to treat the infection.

2. Non-Invasive Procedures:

- Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): This procedure uses high-energy sound waves to break gallstones into smaller fragments that can be more easily passed through the bile ducts.

- Laser Lithotripsy: This technique uses a laser to break up gallstones during an endoscopic procedure.

3. Surgical Intervention:

- Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: This is the most common surgical method for removing the gallbladder. It is performed through small incisions in the abdomen using a camera and specialized surgical tools.

- Open Cholecystectomy: This traditional method of gallbladder removal involves a single larger incision in the abdomen.

- Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): This procedure involves the insertion of a thin, flexible tube through the mouth and into the bile duct, where stones can be removed or a stent can be placed to widen the duct and allow the stones to pass.

The best method of treatment for gallstones will depend on the size, number, and location of the stones, as well as the individual's overall health and preferences. Consultation with a healthcare provider is essential to determine the most appropriate course of treatment.