Gallstones that do not cause any symptoms may be simply ignored until they begin to cause symptoms. However, treatment may be needed for gallstones that cause significant and recurrent pain. Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you.

Treatment options include the following:

Surgery : Removal of the gallbladder, or cholecystectomy , is usually needed to treat symptoms associated with gallstones. It is a relatively safe procedure that does not cause any nutritional problems. It is also not usually necessary to follow a special diet after the gallbladder is removed.

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy : Sound waves can be used to break up gallstones. Once broken up into smaller pieces, gallstones can pass into the small intestine. Also, smaller stones are easier to treat with oral bile salt therapy. Because the gallbladder is still present, however, gallstones are likely to recur after this therapy.

Oral Bile Salts : If surgery is not desirable, bile salts to dissolve gallstones can be taken by mouth. However, it may take a long time to dissolve the gallstones, and because the gallbladder is still present, gallstones may recur.