Around 15% of Americans have gallstones. People often ask our board-certified robotic surgeon, Dr. Elvira Klause, in Laguna Hills, California, "Will my gallstones go away on their own?"
It's not a simple "yes" or "no," but there are answers, and we're breaking them down here.
Gallstones are hard, pebble-like deposits that form in the gallbladder, the small organ just beneath your liver. Its main role is to collect bile (a digestive fluid) from the liver and release it during digestion to help break down fat.
Gallstones can form within the gallbladder and disrupt this process, often causing discomfort or pain.
Although gallstones can develop for many reasons, about 90% of gallstones are made of cholesterol. Other factors, including genetics, systemic diseases like diabetes, and carrying extra weight, can play a role in gallstone development.
In rare cases, gallstones may travel through the digestive system and leave the body during bowel movements. This is more likely to happen with very small, asymptomatic gallstones.
Unfortunately, gallstones usually don't resolve on their own. Once formed, they tend to remain in the gallbladder. If gallstones cause symptoms, it's unlikely they'll pass naturally.
In many cases, the stones are too large to pass through the bile duct. This blocks the flow of bile and causes painful flare-ups (gallbladder attacks).
Some signs that your gallstones require treatment are:
When these symptoms happen frequently, treatment is the next step forward. Ignoring the problem may lead to intensifying issues that even become debilitating.
Gallstones that cause repeated attacks usually require surgical gallbladder removal.
The most common treatment for symptomatic gallstones is gallbladder removal surgery (cholecystectomy).
Although some medications can potentially help dissolve gallstones, these drugs have limitations. They may take up to two years to work. Even when medication does dissolve gallstones fully, the chance of recurrence within five years is high.
Generally, medication is only for people with cholesterol gallstones who can't undergo surgery safely.
A cholecystectomy provides a lasting solution by removing the source of the problem.
Dr. Klause typically performs this surgery using a laparoscopic or robotic approach.
She creates very small incisions in the abdomen and uses a miniature camera to view your gallbladder and the surrounding area on a high-definition screen.
Then, she uses specialized surgical tools to perform the procedure, efficiently removing your gallbladder and the stones within it.
Because these advanced methods avoid a large incision, patients usually experience less discomfort, shorter recovery times, and a quicker return to daily life versus traditional large-incision (open) cholecystectomy.
Now that we've answered whether gallstones can go away, there's another question our patients often ask before surgery: "Can I live without a gallbladder?"
This time, the answer is a resounding "yes!" You don't need a gallbladder to live a healthy life. In fact, when you have gallstones, you're much better off without it.
Some people may notice short-term changes in digestion, particularly with fatty foods. But these symptoms usually improve over time.
Gallstones are likely to worsen. Surgery is often the safest, most effective solution for long-term relief.
If you're having symptoms or suspect gallstones, it's important to consult with a surgeon who has extensive experience treating gallbladder conditions.
As a board-certified surgeon specializing in gallbladder surgery using advanced techniques, you can rely on Dr. Elvira Klause for the highest standard of care with a personalized approach.
Phone our office at 949-245-6910 to schedule your consultation in our Laguna Hills office. Telehealth visits are available.
