Doctor and TV presenter Alexander Myasnikov expressed his opinion on the topic: whether to remove asymptomatic gallstones or not.
Gallstones (cholelithiasis) – a disease of the gallbladder, which is accompanied by the formation of stones.
According to Myasnikov, Russian doctors are inclined in favor of preventive removal of stones. As they say, no stones, no problems. However, this approach, as the specialist noted, means that 10% of the population will have to be operated on. Like any other, this operation has its own risks and costs.
As for world practice, there is a different approach – to operate only on symptomatic stones.
“That is, there was biliary colic, pain, nausea, bloating – then surgery, the stones are asymptomatic – as a rule, we don’t touch,” Myasnikov wrote on his blog.
Myasnikov recalled how it was in the USSR, he cited an excerpt from a medical textbook from 1940.
— As for surgical treatment, it should be used only for certain indications. The operation is undoubtedly indicated for obstructive jaundice and empyema of the gallbladder, says the textbook.
In other cases, surgery is required only in cases of frequently recurring attacks that interfere with work, when therapy remains ineffective.
Risk factors for the formation of gallstones:
- Genetic predisposition
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes mellitus
- Increased cholesterol
- Obesity
- Rapid weight loss
- Medicines. This is the antibiotic Ceftriaxone, hormone replacement therapy, hormonal contraceptives.
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Important! Information is provided for reference purposes. Ask a specialist about contraindications and side effects and under no circumstances self-medicate. At the first signs of illness, consult a doctor.