By Dr. A. Minocha,   author of  "How To Stop Heartburn: Simple Ways to Heal Heartburn and Acid Reflux" and "Natural Stomach Care: Treating and Preventing Digestive Disorders with Best of Eastern and Western Therapies"

Gallstones can be effectively treated with non-surgical methods...

Is it a Myth or a Fact? Find out below

Patients frequently ask me, "What about treating gall stones without surgery". Surgical removal of gallbladder is the treatment of choice for gallstones causing symptoms. The medical treatment of symptomatic gall stones is generally not recommended because of high cost, poor efficacy. In addition, stones tend to come back after the treatment is stopped. Non-surgical treatment is a viable alternative in patients who are high surgical risk or refuse surgical treatment. Patients with small stones that are not calcified are the best candidates.. Shock-wave lithotripsy (breaking of stones by ultrasound shock waves) is a safe and effective method of breaking down the gall stones into small pieces. Again, results are best seen in stones less than 2 cm in diameter. Results are poor if several stones are present. This form of treatment does not get rid of the fragments of the stones from the gall bladder. When lithotripsy is combined with medications in appropriately selected patients, it may result in a stone free period of 12 months in as many as 80-90% of the patients.

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