How to Treat Gallbladder Disease

The objective of treatment is to reduce the incidence of gallbladder pain and to remove the gallstones with surgical procedures and/or drugs.

Things You'll Need

• Low-fat Food
• Analgesics

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Instructions

• 1

  Have extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy to shatter stones. This is a noninvasive procedure that breaks up gallstones using sound waves.

• 2

  Undergo endoscopic retrograde sphincterotomy (ERS). This procedure opens up the soft tissues and fibers of the ducts, allowing stones to pass into the intestine.

• 3

  Have a cholecystectomy (removal of gallbladder) for acute cholecystitis and biliary colic. Can be done through a laparoscopy (a small tube that permits the surgeon to visualize the inside of your abdomen) or through an abdominal incision.

• 4

  Receive intravenous fluids for persistent "biliary colic." Take nothing by mouth during acute attacks.

• 5

  Talk to your doctor about a prescription of chenodeoxycholic acid to help dissolve cholesterol gallstones. Chenodeoxycholic acid works by inhibiting secretion of cholesterol and is most effective when stones are small.

• 6

  Get plenty of rest.

• 7

  Use analgesics for relief of gallbladder pain. Your doctor may prescribe narcotics.