Gallstones and benign gallbladder polyps: Things you need to know about gallbladder

When it comes to gallstones and benign gallbladder polyps, many people may feel unfamiliar and familiar. In recent years, these two "minor problems" of the gallbladder have become more and more common. According to statistics, the incidence of gallstones in my country has reached 10-15%, which is really something that people have to guard against. So, today we are going to talk about these "gallbladder" issues to give you a general idea.

Why do you get gallstones?

The cause of gallstones is a mystery that scientists still haven't figured out. But to put it simply, it's because the components in bile are "in the wrong car". The proportions of cholesterol, bile salts, and phospholipids are not right, and the bile flow is not smooth, which makes it easy to form gallstones. There are several types of gallstones, including cholesterol stones, bile pigment stones, and mixed types.

What are the symptoms of gallstones?

Some people with gallstones will suddenly have severe stomach pain, especially after eating greasy food; others will feel bloated and nauseous, and their stool may have a strange smell. But some people don't feel anything until they find out during a physical examination. However, don't underestimate it, as gallstones can also cause serious diseases such as acute pancreatitis and cholecystitis.

To treat or not to treat? To remove the gallbladder or to preserve it?

When it comes to gallstones, many people are confused: should they remove the gallbladder and put an end to all problems, or should they preserve the gallbladder and remove the stones? In fact, it depends on the specific situation.

Gallbladder removal : In the past, gallbladder removal was the mainstream, especially for patients with recurrent biliary colic and complications of gallstones. However, gallbladder removal is not the end of the world. Sometimes, acid reflux, heartburn, diarrhea and other discomforts may occur.

Gallbladder preservation and lithotripsy : With the development of technology, gallbladder preservation and lithotripsy are becoming more and more popular. As long as the gallbladder function is good and there is a strong desire to preserve the gallbladder, you can try it. But remember, gallbladder preservation is not a casual thing. Certain conditions must be met, such as the gallbladder wall is not thick and the contraction function is normal.

Will the disease recur after gallbladder preservation and stone removal?

To be honest, recurrence is still possible after gallbladder preservation and stone removal, but the recurrence rate is not high, generally around 5%-8%. To prevent recurrence, the stones must be removed cleanly during surgery, and lifestyle habits must be changed after surgery, such as eating less greasy food and exercising more. If recurrence occurs, as long as the gallbladder still meets the conditions, gallbladder preservation and stone removal can be performed again.

What are the side effects of having a gallbladder removed?

Although the gallbladder is a small organ, it plays a big role. After removing the gallbladder, some people will experience indigestion, diarrhea and other problems. Moreover, in the long run, it may increase the risk of fatty liver, cirrhosis and even colorectal cancer. Therefore, it is best not to remove it unless the gallbladder is already very damaged.

Although gallstones and benign gallbladder polyps are common, they are not terrible. The key is to detect and treat them early, and choose the right plan according to your own situation. Whether it is gallbladder removal or gallbladder preservation, you must listen to the doctor and don't figure it out on your own. After all, health is the most important thing!