If you have ever wondered about how to get rid of gallstones, then read on for a discussion of the options available today for treating and removing gallstones. Many people have gallstones and will not know it unless they have had an ultrasound for a different health condition, because most people with gallstones never have any symptoms or pain. Gallstones are small hard deposits that can form within your gallbladder.

The gallbladder is a small organ under your liver on the right side of your abdomen, and this organ controls the bile that is released into your intestine. For those that develop gallstones, some may develop only one while others may develop several different gallstones within the gallbladder.

When a gallstone becomes lodged within a bile duct and causes a blockage or impedes the flow of bile through the bile ducts, sudden symptoms may begin. You may have swift and growing pain in the upper right to the center area of your abdomen, or back pain around the right shoulder blade or right shoulder. It is not altogether known what causes these gallstones to form but most experts think that your bile may contain too much cholesterol, or your bile contains too much bilirubin and possibly, if your gallbladder does not fully empty properly causing the bile to over concentrate.

There are two forms of gallstones, cholesterol gallstones and pigment gallstones. If you have gallstones, they may never cause a problem, but if you do start feeling pain or discomfort, the likely complications may be inflammation of the gallbladder cholecystitis, bile duct blockage or pancreatic duct blockage. Should you have any of these pains or symptoms, you should contact your doctor or healthcare provider. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/gallstones.html http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gallstones/DS00165

If you do have gallstones it does not necessarily mean that your doctor will prescribe any type of treatment to remove or get rid of the gallstones. In fact, if you do not have symptoms, you do not require any treatment. Your doctor may advise you to watch for symptoms of gallstone complications. Should those occur you will want to contact your doctor immediately.

If you are having pains and symptoms of gallstone complications, your doctor may recommend that your gallbladder be removed surgically. This operation is called a cholecystectomy. This is one of the most frequently performed surgeries for adults in the U.S. and the surgery itself is generally performed with laparoscopy, using a medical instrument called a laparoscope. Laparoscopic surgery is less intrusive than an open cholecystectomy. You will be unconscious and unable to feel pain due to the general anesthesia. After your gallbladder has been removed, the gallstones will be removed as well. Instead of bile being stored in the gallbladder, bile will now flow direct from your liver into your small intestine. Your gallbladder is a non-essential organ, meaning you do not need it to live. Complications in this type of surgery are few. The most frequent complication is injury or damage to the bile ducts. http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/gallstones/ http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gallstones/DS00165/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007371.htm

A nonsurgical approach is very seldom used and when used, they are not completely effective for all patients and stones will commonly re-occur after a period of time. Situations may arise where it is necessary, such as an older patient who may not be able to handle the surgery, someone who insists on not having surgery, or a serious medical condition that would prevent surgery from being an option.

The nonsurgical options include:

1. Ursodeoxycholic acid
2. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatolography (ERCP)
3. Lithotripsy

Ursodeoxycholic acid, is also called ursodiol or Actigall or Urso. This is a possible nonsurgical oral dissolution therapy treatment only if you have cholesterol gallstones. This works best on small stones. With this treatment regimen, the medication is used in hopes of slowly dissolving the cholesterol gallstones. Ursodeoxycholic acid comes in tablet form and is taken by mouth. The treatment regimen can last up to two years and results is not always successful. This approach is not generally recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Gallstones/Pages/Treatment.aspx?r=1&rtitle=Gallstones+-+Treatment http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/gallstones/

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatolography (ERCP) is a procedure that attempts to get rid of and remove the gallstones without removing the gallbladder. A local anesthetic is usually administered for pain control.

Lithotripsy treatment is a concentration of ultrasonic shock waves onto the gallstones with the goal of breaking them into smaller pieces so they can pass normally. http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Gallstones/Pages/Treatment.aspx?r=1&rtitle=Gallstones+-+Treatment http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/gallstones/

Gallbladder cleanse, is also called a gallbladder flush and is a popular alternative remedy for getting rid of gallstones in the body. This alternative approach involves consuming a combination of olive oil with herbs and certain types of fruit juice. This would take place over a period of days. It has been claimed by its proponents that cleansing the gallbladder in this fashion will help to break up the gallstones so they pass normally in the stool. There is no evidence that this approach is effective as a treatment to get rid of gallstones. http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/gallbladder-cleanse/AN01283/

Preventing gallstones may not be possible in all people. Some may be able to prevent or reduce the risk of getting gallstones with the following:

1. Do not skip your meals. It is important to maintain healthy meal scheduling.
2. Maintain a regular exercise schedule. Inactivity may increase gallstone risk. Physical activity may help to avoid the formation of stones.
3. It you are trying to lose weight, you should slowly lose the weight.
4. Being overweight or obese can increase your risk factors of getting stones. Try to maintain a healthy weight level. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gallstones/DS00165/DSECTION=prevention

Also, since cholesterol plays a big role in the formation of gallstones it is advisable to minimize or avoid eating foods that are high in cholesterol and fat content. Some of these types of foods include sausages, meats with high fat content, grease, butter, cakes and other foods high in fat and cholesterol.

A high fiber and low fat diet is more advisable. Establish and maintain good eating habits, eat smaller portions up to five times per day. Eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits and whole grain. http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Gallstones/Pages/Prevention.aspx

If you have pain in upper right abdomen region, back pain around the right shoulder blades or right shoulder, contact your doctor or healthcare provider.

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a doctor before taking any action suggested on this page.