“Do you need to have surgery if you have gallstones?”
I am a 45 year old female and I have gallstones. Do you need to have surgery if you have gallstones?
4 Answers
Not always. But you run the risk of acute gallbladder attacks. If you have had pain or symptoms related to your gallbladder and are 20-40 years old, you should think seriously about having your gallbladder removed. You don't want to get an attack during pregnancy.
No, only if you develop cholecystitis or your bladder stops working.
No, millions of people have gallstones. The only reason to have the gallbladder removed is if there are symptoms - 1) biliary colic where you have pain every time you eat a fat containing meal or sometimes a non-fat meal, or 2) the gallbladder get infected due to a gallstone obstructing the outflow duct, the cystic duct
Typically yes. Having symptoms and gallstones is typically an indication for surgery. Episodes tend to increase in frequency and severity over time. I almost always recommend surgery once symptoms start.
