Do cholelithiasis treatment options include medicines?

Question

Hello doctor,

My mother recently had an ultrasound. The report mentions that her gallbladder is normally distended with normal wall thickness, but multiple tiny gallstones are present. The CBD is normal in caliber, and no intraluminal stones were seen.

The impression states:

Cholelithiasis.
Hepatomegaly with moderate fatty changes in the liver.

I would like to know if this condition can be managed with medicines or if surgery is necessary. Please advise.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Cholelithiasis or gallstones are very common. It is something you should not lose sleep over. However, I would like to know why your mother underwent an ultrasound. Did she have pain or post-meal dyspepsia? Whilst this condition cannot be treated with medicines, there is no reason to get it surgically removed immediately unless she is suffering from regular pain, is a known case of diabetes, or the stones have migrated to the CBD.

That being said, it is always best to get it removed after discussing the risk Vs benefit of the surgery with your doctor. Kindly update me on any other medical conditions your mother is suffering from, and I will be happy to guide you further.

I hope this helps.

Kindly revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.