TREATMENT OF GALLSTONE DISEASE

At the "Genesis Dnipro" clinic, comprehensive diagnostics and treatment of gallstone disease are performed using modern methods and equipment, and there is also the possibility of surgical treatment along with a 24-hour rehabilitation inpatient facility.

CAUSES OF GALLSTONE DISEASE:

• Metabolic disorders: An excessive content of cholesterol in the bile promotes crystallization and stone formation.
• Genetic predisposition: Inherited factors can increase the risk of developing the disease.
• Improper diet: A diet high in fats and low in fiber contributes to impaired gallbladder function.
• Overweight and sedentary lifestyle: Obesity and lack of physical activity worsen the motility of the gallbladder.
• Other factors: Infectious processes and hormonal disorders can also play a role in the pathogenesis.

PRINCIPAL APPROACHES TO TREATMENT:

EXAMINATION:
• Ultrasonography: The primary method for detecting stones, assessing their size and location.
• Laboratory tests: Biochemical blood analysis to evaluate liver function and bilirubin levels.
• Instrumental methods: If necessary, CT or MRI is performed to clarify the disease picture.

TREATMENT:

• Conservative Therapy 1:

● Ursophalc/Ursosan – these are ursodeoxycholic acid medications, which are suitable for dissolving small, radiolucent (without calcification) stones. The therapy is prescribed only by a physician and must be administered over a long period, outside of an acute episode.
● No-Spa – an antispasmodic; in cases of severe pain, it can be administered intravenously in high doses.
● Duspatalin – a spasmolytic “targeted” at the gastrointestinal tract; it improves bile flow during biliary colic, but cannot be used if vomiting is present.
● Gimekromon – is also sometimes used for biliary colic for a short course.
● Turmeric with propolis – a remedy for bile stagnation or the presence of small stones, it helps normalize bile rheology.
● Milk thistle/Artichoke preparations (Lesil, Artichoke Extract) – can be used only for very small stones to improve the rheology and outflow of bile.

Indications for surgical treatment:

● An attack of acute cholecystitis accompanied by jaundice (which means that the bile flow is blocked) and ultrasound visualization of a stone in the ducts.
● An attack of biliary colic lasting more than 24 hours and/or accompanied by high fever, persistent vomiting, dehydration.
● Large stones for which conservative therapy is ineffective, but which can potentially block bile outflow.
● The presence of complications such as acute pancreatitis or cholangitis, where any delay only worsens the condition.
● A chronic recurring process leading to impaired gallbladder function, where elective cholecystectomy is the preferred method.
● Clinic specialty: At "Genesis Dnipro," there is the possibility to perform surgical treatment using the latest technologies, which ensures the most effective and safe intervention.

FLUID REGIMEN:

During the treatment and prevention of gallstone disease, special attention is paid to fluid intake to help normalize metabolic processes in the body.
• Water quality: It is recommended to drink clean potable water without excessive chlorine and foreign impurities.
• Mineralization: The water should have moderate mineralization to support electrolyte balance.
• Fluid intake: It is recommended to consume 2. 5–3 liters of fluid per day, which helps thin the bile and improve its flow.

Specific brands – Buvette 3, San Benedetto, San Pellegrino, Fiji

DIET:

A balanced diet is an important component of the comprehensive treatment of gallstone disease.
• Low-fat diet: Eliminating fatty, fried, and spicy foods reduces the burden on the gallbladder.
• Rich in fiber: Vegetables, fruits, and whole grain products help normalize metabolism and prevent bile stagnation.
• Proteins: Lean meat, fish, legumes, and dairy products provide the body with essential amino acids without excess fat.
• Fractionated meals: Regularly eating small portions helps avoid overloading the digestive system and promotes normal gallbladder function.
• Limiting sugars: Reducing the intake of simple carbohydrates helps prevent the development of insulin resistance, which indirectly affects stone formation.

PREVENTION:

• Maintaining a healthy weight, regular physical activity, and avoiding harmful habits will help reduce the risk of stone formation.
• Adhering to a proper fluid regimen and healthy eating are key preventive measures that help normalize gallbladder function.
• Regular check-ups with a specialist will allow early detection of the disease and timely intervention.
• Rehabilitation: The 24-hour inpatient rehabilitation facility at the "Genesis Dnipro" clinic ensures constant monitoring and support for the patient at all stages of recovery after surgical treatment.

The information about the treatment methods is for informational purposes only. Before starting any therapy, it is necessary to consult with a doctor to choose the optimal treatment plan.


ONCE AGAIN ABOUT CONSERVATIVE TREATMENT 2 and 3. . .

1) Gallstones in the gallbladder can be dissolved using ursodeoxycholic acid medications. Ursophalc 250 mg – start with a dose of 1 capsule once a day and increase to the required dose depending on weight – continue for at least 6 months, provided there is no nausea. . .

2) For pain, the following medications can be used: Duspatalin 200 mg (spasmolytic) – up to 3 times a day, or Billody (Gimekromon) (also a spasmolytic) – up to 2 times a day, but not for longer than 2 consecutive weeks. . .

3) NB! At any moment, one must be prepared for a stone to pass into the bile duct, which may necessitate emergency surgery. If there are multiple stones or if there have already been episodes of biliary colic – it is advisable not to delay and to perform the surgery electively.

Optimal treatment scheme for gallstone disease with Dr. Reckeweg medications:
For the conservative treatment of gallstone disease (GSD), three key aspects are important: improving bile outflow, reducing inflammation, and dissolving stones. Dr. Reckeweg medications help comprehensively affect these processes.

Conservative Treatment of Gallstone Disease with Dr. Reckeweg Medications:

1️⃣ R7 – The primary medication for treating GSD

✔ Improves bile outflow, preventing its stagnation.
✔ Thins bile, reducing the risk of the formation of new stones.
✔ Eases digestion and alleviates the feeling of heaviness after meals.

How to take: 1 tablet 3 times a day.
Course: 2-3 months.

2️⃣ R4 – For relief of spasms and pain

✔ Relaxes the bile ducts, facilitating bile secretion.
✔ Helps with pain in the right hypochondrium area.

How to take: 1 tablet 3 times a day.
Course: 1-2 months.

3️⃣ R1 – For inflammation (cholecystitis)

✔ Reduces inflammation of the gallbladder.
✔ Decreases pain and reduces mucosal edema.

How to take: 1 tablet 3 times a day.
Course: 10-14 days during acute inflammation, then as needed.

4️⃣ R64 – For stone dissolution

✔ Improves the composition of bile, preventing stone growth.
✔ Helps dissolve small stones and biliary sludge.

How to take: 1 tablet 3 times a day.
Course: 2-3 months, followed by an ultrasound examination.

Additional recommendations:

✔ Follow the diet – eliminate fatty, fried foods, spicy food, and alcohol.
✔ Drink more water – 1. 5-2 liters per day to thin the bile.
✔ Engage in physical activity – moderate exercise stimulates gallbladder function.
✔ Schedule a follow-up in 3 months – have an ultrasound to assess the dynamics.