Can ERCP remove gallbladder stones?

Written by Jiang Zhen Hui
Hepatobiliary Surgery
Updated on September 27, 2024
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ERCP is currently being explored by some hospitals in China for the removal of gallstones. It involves inserting a tube through the lower part of the gallbladder to remove the gallstones. However, we generally do not recommend using ERCP for gallstone removal because if it becomes necessary to remove the stones, the gallbladder must be cut open, which can easily lead to complications such as suppurative cholecystitis. Currently, the most common method for removing gallstones is laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which, of course, requires mature surgical skills and relatively has fewer complications.

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Written by Jiang Zhen Hui
Hepatobiliary Surgery
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Can ERCP remove gallbladder stones?

ERCP is currently being explored by some hospitals in China for the removal of gallstones. It involves inserting a tube through the lower part of the gallbladder to remove the gallstones. However, we generally do not recommend using ERCP for gallstone removal because if it becomes necessary to remove the stones, the gallbladder must be cut open, which can easily lead to complications such as suppurative cholecystitis. Currently, the most common method for removing gallstones is laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which, of course, requires mature surgical skills and relatively has fewer complications.

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Written by Liu Wu Cai
Hepatobiliary Surgery
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Causes of gallstones

The main cause of gallstones is attributed to diet, with cholesterol stones being the most common type among patients. Therefore, individuals who consume foods high in fats and cholesterol, such as offal and fatty meats, are more prone to developing gallstones. Of course, the formation of gallstones is also closely related to genetic and environmental factors. Treatment of gallstones primarily depends on the presence or absence of symptoms. Patients with small gallstones usually do not exhibit noticeable symptoms and do not require special treatment, but should regularly undergo follow-up ultrasound examinations to monitor any changes. However, patients with symptomatic gallstones need to have their gallbladder surgically removed to achieve a cure.

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Written by Zhang Tao
Hepatobiliary Surgery
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Clinical manifestations of gallstones

Clinical manifestations of gallbladder stones: 1. Patients often experience abdominal pain after a full meal or when eating greasy food. 2. Patients may experience upper abdominal pain, bloating, belching, and regurgitation after consuming a high-fat diet in excess, or during periods of stress or poor rest. These symptoms are often misdiagnosed as stomach disorders. When gallstones chronically press against and block the gallbladder ducts without causing an infection, the gallbladder mucosa absorbs bile pigments and secretes mucinous substances, leading to the accumulation of fluid in the gallbladder. This fluid is usually clear and colorless, commonly referred to as white bile.

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Written by Liu Wu Cai
Hepatobiliary Surgery
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How should gallstones be treated?

For the treatment of gallstones, the decision mainly depends on whether there are symptoms and the size of the stones. Patients with small gallstones generally do not exhibit clear symptoms and are often discovered only through ultrasound. They do not require special treatment; regular follow-up ultrasounds to dynamically observe any changes in size are sufficient. In daily diet, it is advised to avoid food high in cholesterol and fats, and to maintain a light diet, which can better control the condition. Patients with large gallstones often experience recurrent upper right abdominal pain and discomfort, which affects their quality of life. Treatment can include the use of antibiotics to manage infections. Once the inflammation is controlled, the condition can be alleviated, but recurrences are common, necessitating eventual surgical removal of the gallstones to achieve a better treatment outcome. Primarily, complete removal of the gallbladder through surgery can potentially cure the condition.

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Written by Liu Wu Cai
Hepatobiliary Surgery
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Is it normal to feel nauseous with gallstones?

Patients with gallstones experiencing nausea and vomiting is normal, as gallstones often cause acute cholecystitis, leading to pain and discomfort in the upper right abdomen. At this time, it may also affect the stomach causing nausea and vomiting, so it is advisable to use antibiotics for anti-infection treatment as soon as possible. Once the inflammation is controlled, the condition can be alleviated. When nausea and vomiting occur, it is also advisable to fast for gastrointestinal decompression, which can better alleviate the condition. Additionally, after returning to a normal diet, one should avoid spicy and irritating foods to reduce inflammation and aid in the relief of the condition. If symptoms do not improve with conservative treatment, surgery should be considered as soon as possible.