Causes of gallstones

Written by Liu Wu Cai
Hepatobiliary Surgery
Updated on September 10, 2024
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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 Liu Wu Cai
Hepatobiliary Surgery
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What is good to eat for gallstones?

Patients with gallbladder stones should primarily observe the following dietary guidelines: First, it is particularly important for patients with gallbladder stones to avoid spicy and stimulating foods such as chili peppers, barbecues, and garlic. A diet primarily composed of mild foods, supplemented by fresh vegetables and fruits, can better control the onset of the condition. Second, patients with gallbladder stones can also appropriately include protein-rich foods such as eggs, lean meats, and fish in their diet to enhance their immunity. Third, patients with gallbladder stones should avoid foods high in cholesterol and fats, such as animal offal and fatty meats. These foods might cause the stones to increase in size and lead to recurrent right upper abdominal pain and discomfort, thus requiring attention.

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Written by Liu Wu Cai
Hepatobiliary Surgery
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Can I eat before a gallbladder stone examination?

Before checking for gallstones, one should not eat, as the main methods of examination are through color ultrasound and CT scans, which can better lead to a diagnosis. Both color ultrasound and CT scans require fasting because eating can cause the stomach to fill, potentially resulting in artifacts that hinder the observation of the condition. Therefore, patients with gallstones need to fast before the examination. The approach to treatment depends on the presence of symptoms and the size of the stones. For large gallstones that cause recurrent episodes, early surgical treatment should be considered. Only by surgically removing the gallbladder can a definitive cure be achieved, which can significantly improve the prognosis for the patient.

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Written by Liu Wu Cai
Hepatobiliary Surgery
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What should not be eaten with gallstones?

Patients with gallstones should primarily avoid spicy and stimulating foods, such as chili peppers, barbecue, and garlic, to reduce inflammation. They should also avoid foods high in fats and cholesterol, such as animal organs and fatty meats. For patients with gallstones, the diet should mainly consist of light and mild foods, and include plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits to lessen the burden on the gallbladder and reduce the frequency of symptoms. If a patient with gallstones repeatedly experiences discomfort or pain in the upper right abdomen, it is necessary to consider surgical removal of the gallbladder at an early stage. Surgery is the only definitive treatment to improve the quality of life for these patients, and diet still needs to be carefully managed post-surgery.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Wu Cai
Hepatobiliary Surgery
46sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Wu Cai
Hepatobiliary Surgery
46sec home-news-image

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.