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How to treat multiple bilestones/gallstones?

Dr Subash Gupta
Surgical Gastroenterologist,
Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi

Q: I am 25 yrs. old man (Wt. 57kg; Ht.6ft). A recent abdominal ultrasound showed multiple bile/gall stones; CBD 3.2 mm and a rt. kidney stone of 3.3 mm. All other parameters are normal. The urine examination is normal. Surgeons say that the renal calculi is asymptomatic and requires no treatment. According to my surgeon, I am not a suitable candidate for billiary surgery right now as I am underweight, have a low haemoglobin and am suffering from chronic gastric trouble. Is it a serious problem and are there any oral medicines which can cure it? Can lithotripsy treat both billiary and renal calculi?

A:Your doctor is right, the renal stone is very small and does not needtreatment. Gallstones are not treated by lithotripsy and there is no reasonwhy your gallstones should not treated by the normal telescopic method.Small and multiple stones cause lot of problem because they can slip intobile duct, cause jaundice and pancreatitis which are both life threateningconditions. Further, gall stones left alone have an association with gallbladder cancer. Telescopic removal of stones is done quite routinely in allhospitals and you can contact any hospital which is near to you.