Is surgery the only option if I have gallstones that are causing pain?

Doctor's Answer

Photo of Dr Nan Yaw Wong
Dr Nan Yaw Wong

Colorectal Surgeon

Symptomatic gallstone is an indication for surgery. There have been attempts in the past to blast the stones with shock wave therapy and also melt the stones using special enzymes, but the recurrence rate was very high.

Enzyme therapy is also very expensive and in the long term will cost more than surgery.

Laparoscopic gallstone surgery is safe in trained hands and can even be done as a day procedure. Talk to your surgeon about it.

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