What surgery is done for gallstones? Comprehensive analysis of treatment options and latest hot topics
Gallstones are a common digestive system disease. In recent years, with changes in lifestyle, the incidence has gradually increased. According to hot topics and hot content on the Internet in the past 10 days, gallstone treatment options, especially surgical options, have attracted much attention. This article will provide a structured analysis of the surgical treatment of gallstones and provide you with a reference based on the latest data.
1. Common types of gallstone surgery

The surgical treatment of gallstones is mainly divided into the following types. The doctor will choose the appropriate method according to the patient's specific situation (such as stone size, location, complications, etc.):
| Surgery type | Applicable situations | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) | Most patients with asymptomatic or symptomatic gallstones | Less trauma, faster recovery, shorter hospitalization time | A small number of patients may develop bile duct injury or postoperative infection |
| Open cholecystectomy (OC) | Complex cases (such as severe cholecystitis or abdominal adhesions) | Clear surgical field of vision, suitable for complex situations | Large trauma, slow recovery, obvious scars |
| Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) | Common bile duct stones or combined with pancreatitis | Common bile duct stones can be removed without surgery | May cause pancreatitis or gastrointestinal bleeding |
| gallbladder-preserving lithotomy | Young patients with good gallbladder function | Preserve the gallbladder to avoid postoperative digestive problems | The stone recurrence rate is high (about 30%-50%) |
2. Recent hot topics: Controversy and progress in gallstone surgery
1.Controversy over gallbladder-preserving lithotomy: Recently, there has been a heated discussion on social platforms about "whether it is worthwhile to save the gallbladder and remove stones." Some experts believe that the recurrence rate is high and treatment may be delayed, while other patients hope to preserve gallbladder function. Clinical data show that the recurrence rate is closely related to the patient's dietary management.
2.The rise of robot-assisted surgery: Many hospitals have recently reported using the da Vinci robot to complete precise cholecystectomy, which is less invasive but more expensive (approximately 20,000 to 30,000 yuan more expensive than laparoscopic surgery).
3.Do asymptomatic stones require surgery?: The latest "Chinese Journal of Surgery" guidelines point out that asymptomatic patients with thickened gallbladder wall or stones larger than 3cm are advised to undergo surgery to avoid the risk of cancer.
3. Precautions before and after surgery
| stage | Things to note |
|---|---|
| Preoperative preparation | Fast for 8 hours, stop taking anticoagulant drugs, and complete imaging examinations (B-ultrasound/CT) |
| Postoperative recovery | Do not eat greasy food within 24 hours, gradually resume activities, and observe signs of incision infection. |
| long term management | Low-fat diet, regular review, and weight control (BMI<25) |
4. Summary
The choice of gallstone surgery requires individualized evaluation. Laparoscopic resection is still the mainstream option, but robotic surgery and cholelithotomy have also triggered new discussions. Patients should make decisions based on doctor’s advice and their own needs, and pay attention to postoperative lifestyle adjustments to reduce the risk of recurrence. Recent hot topics suggest that advances in medical technology are providing more possibilities for gallstone treatment.
(Note: The data in this article are based on recent authoritative medical journals and clinical reports from tertiary hospitals and are for reference only. Please follow your doctor’s advice for specific treatment plans.)
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