Some people never show symptoms of gallstones while others do. For some the pain in the abdomen becomes unbearable. They need treatment for gallstones to prevent further complications. But the question is – Is it possible to get gallbladder stones treatment without operation? If yes, then how? If no, then what is the treatment?
In India, gallbladder stones range from 6% to 9% in adults. The age group most affected by gallstones in India is 40-60 years. Age, gender, diet, and lifestyle are the factors that result in gallbladder stone disease.
It is very important to address these factors as early as possible. Gallstones are more common in females (61%) than in males (39%).
(Also Read: 5 Signs That a Woman has Gallstones)
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What happens when you get gallbladder stones disease?
The first thing that comes to mind is- Will I be able to remove gallstones without surgery? When you have gallstones, sometimes there are no symptoms and sometimes there is intense pain in the abdomen. This pain may travel to your shoulder and back. Your body gives you signs of gallbladder stones which must not ignore such as fever, chills, abdominal pain, yellow eyes, nausea, vomiting or gray stool.
And the cause of gallbladder stones is that the liver secretes more bile than it can resolve. Another reason may be the frequency at which the gallbladder empties is lesser than it should.
People in India assume that they can remove gallbladder stones without operation with home remedies.
Also Read: Know more About Gall Stones!
Here is the list of treatments which people usually try to get rid of gallstones naturally:
Gallbladder cleansing
There is a belief that gallbladder cleansing breaks the gallstones and flushes them out emptying the gallbladder. Although there is no such proof that it helps to flush them. These cleansing methods include lemon juice and olive oil, apple juice with vegetable juice.
There are some side-effects of the gallbladder cleanse that depend on their recipe. If the amount of olive oil in the cleanse increases, it may have laxative effects. You may have complaints of diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has inflammatory properties that reduce gallbladder pain and many people consider it as gallbladder cleanse. It is mixed with water as directed. Do not consume it directly as it may cause harm to your teeth due to its acidic properties. Also Read: Diet to Cure Gallbladder Stones
Yoga
Some yoga poses aid to remove gallstones, although there are no such scientific proofs. As per belief, some of the yoga exercises to get rid of gallstones are:
- Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
- Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)
- Paschimottanasana (Seated forward bend)
- Sarvangasana (Shoulderstand)
- Shalabhasana (Locust Pose)
Acupuncture
Acupuncture alleviates the pain in the abdomen, back pain, nausea and vomiting. Although it may regulate the gallbladder inflammation, there is no such evidence of acupuncture helping people to pass the stones. Also Read: Myth or Fact: Is Coffee Beneficial for Gallstones?
Medication
There are bile acids that may help remove gallstones without operation. But the disadvantages of the bile acid are that it may take up to 2 years to show significant results and there are chances that gallstones may return once the medication stops. Also Read: How to Get Rid of Gallstones Naturally?
After looking at the above treatments, you must have understood that these are all either temporary solutions or may not remove large gallstones. Therefore, surgery is the best way to remove gallbladder stones.
Cholecystectomy – Surgery to remove gallbladder stones
If you think natural treatments are not helping you get rid of gallstones, talk to the doctor about other treatment options. The doctor may suggest surgery. One of the best treatment is Laparoscopic treatment which is widely used across the world for gallstones removal.
Laparoscopic gallstones removal surgery is the minimally invasive procedure and is known as laparoscopic cholecystectomy. In this procedure, the gallbladder is removed to get rid of the gallstones. Gallstones form inside the gallbladder due to the solidification of bile (digestive fluid). It is a commonly performed procedure to remove gallbladder stones over open surgery.
There are some risks of laparoscopic gallbladder removal surgery but are temporary:
- Allergic to anesthesia
- Damage to the nearby structure if not performed by experts
- Harm to blood vessels
But the surgery is performed by highly skilled experts so the chances are very less that these risks prevail. There are several benefits:
- Trained experts perform laparoscopic surgery
- Reduced risk of infection
- Very less bleeding
- Short hospital stay
- Quick recovery timeAlso Read: Advantages of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Recovery after the gallbladder removal surgery
After surgery, you may experience diarrhea as the body takes time to adjust without the gallbladder. The recovery is very quick if you follow the post-surgery diet plan and exercises. You are encouraged to walk if you feel better. Get back to a normal routine, but do not exert yourself. (Also Read: Gallbladder Surgery Recovery Tips)
Take care of the incisions as per the instructions. For any problem or anything unusual, contact your doctor.
Conclusion
By now, you must have understood how to remove gallbladder stones. Some people who get gallstones due to heredity. Therefore, it best to make lifestyle changes and improve your eating habits to prevent gallstones. Maintain a healthy weight, exercise and eat a balanced diet.
Above all, talk to your doctor if you notice any symptoms of gallstones or you get a gallbladder attack. Get an ultrasound and book an appointment with the doctor without any delay.