Other treatment options for gallstones are not widely available. Less is known about their effectiveness and long-term impact compared to surgery.
Other treatments for gallstones in the gallbladder include:
Other treatments for gallstones in the common bile duct include:
Lithotripsy and contact dissolution therapy to treat gallstones are not used very often and are less effective than surgery to prevent symptoms caused by gallstones. Discuss with your doctor the risks, costs, and effectiveness of these seldom-used procedures.
When the gallbladder is not removed, such as in nonsurgical procedures, gallstones return within 5 years in 30% to 50% of people.3
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: October 22, 2009 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Peter J. Kahrilas, MD - Gastroenterology | |
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