Gall Bladder Removal is normally performed when the gall bladder becomes infected from gall stones or damaged from cancer. A large cut is done to open the abdomen to better be able to observe the area. For selected patients with only mild to moderate gall bladder disease, non-invasive alternatives may be an option.
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
The laparoscopic cholecystectomy is considered less-invasive. With this procedure, the abdominal muscles do not need to be cut. Only small incisions have to be made. If no larger cuts are necessary, then there is less pain and quicker healing. Reports indicate that a laparoscopic cholecystectomy also has fewer infections and adhesions than the traditional older method of open surgery and gall bladder removal.
Dietary Changes
For those that have mild or occasional bouts of gall bladder symptoms, a diet change could be the answer. It is common knowledge that fatty foods can irritate the gall bladder. Avoidance or moderate eating of fatty foods could help with this problem. Vegetables and fruit juices may help to flush the liver and gall bladder system. Dairy products may also be a wise choice of foods to avoid as they contain fat.
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)
With this technique, high energy sound wave technology is used to destroy the gallstone. An x-ray or ultrasound is used to locate the stone. The process to break it into tiny pieces normally takes one hour. A few weeks may be necessary to pass all of the stone pieces. Stones that are usually treated with this process should be between 4 mm and 2 cm in diameter.
Oral Bile Acid Dissolution Therapy
This treatment may be performed for patients with mild gallstone disease and for those who only have tiny gallstones. Solutions such as chenodeoxycholic acid (Chenix) and ursodeoxycholic acid (Actigall) may be used. Studies show that months or even years could be the duration of treatment before results are experienced. Studies indicate that this method may be safe, but is ultimately less effective. It may be an option for those that cannot undergo medical surgery.
Traditional Remedies for Gall Bladder Flushing and Cleansing
Some individuals believe that whatever is blocked, can be unblocked again. They feel that with a gall bladder cleanse, the stones can pass. Olive oil and lemon juice are sometimes used to flush the gallstones. There is the chance by this method that if the stones are too big, they could get stuck as they are trying to be passed out.
The herbal drink “Gold Coin Grass” is sometimes a choice for those that wish to attempt to shrink the gallstones, and hopefully pass them naturally.
Peppermint oil as an enteric coated capsule is sometimes used by some people, along with Vitamin C. The enteric coated capsule will not dissolve itself from the higher acid of the stomach before it reaches the intestines. It is the belief that the peppermint oil capsule may dissolve gallstones, and the Vitamin C could help prevent more gallstones from forming.
Some believe that drinking large quantities of organic apple juice or apple cider at room temperature is a great way to cleanse and flush the gall bladder. Room temperature is at times suggested to avoid chilling of the liver, which could cause stagnant bile to rush out.
Gall Bladder Removal through the Vagina
The technique of gall bladder removal through the vagina (natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery) is a surgery that needs no incisions. An endoscope (long lighted optical instrument) passes through the vaginal wall into the abdomen. A tiny laparoscopic camera is inserted into the navel to assist with the guidance of the procedure. The gall bladder is then taken out through the vagina.
