Modern surgery: This is how you can finally defeat gallstones sustainably!

Modern surgery: This is how you can finally defeat gallstones sustainably!

Bile diseases, especially gallstones, are a widespread health problem in Germany. Statistics show that around one in four women and one in six men over the age of 40 are affected. Every year, several hundred patients with such diseases are treated in the Medius clinics in Stuttgart, with the majority of operations being carried out minimally invasively. This stands out clearly from the national average, as modern surgery in the region has extensive experience, as Dr. Klaus Kraft, chief physician at the Clinic for General and Visceral Surgery, emphasizes.

The symptoms of a gallbladder problem are diverse and can have a significant impact on the lives of those affected. The most common signs include cramping pain in the right upper abdomen, often after eating high-fat meals. This pain may radiate to the back or right shoulder, a condition known as biliary colic. Other symptoms include nausea, bloating, belching and fever, which can indicate gallbladder inflammation. Diagnosis is mainly made by ultrasound; additional blood tests or magnetic resonance imaging are used in unclear cases.

Indications for surgery

Removal of the gallbladder is necessary in various cases: in the case of recurring complaints, inflammation or the risk of the bile duct becoming blocked by gallstones. It is important to know that the gallbladder is not essential to life because the liver continues to produce bile even after the gallbladder is removed. Immediate surgery is not required for asymptomatic patients with gallstones; A wait-and-see approach is recommended.

Gallstones are caused by an imbalance in the composition of bile and can cause a variety of problems. Often they occur without symptoms, but when symptoms occur they can cause intolerance to many fatty foods, bloating and pain in the upper abdominal area. According to the information from Prof. Dr. med. Peter Sterk About 75% of those affected with gallstones have no symptoms. For acute symptoms, pain-relieving and antispasmodic medications as well as antibiotics are used to treat acute inflammation, which often requires rapid surgical intervention.

Advantages of minimally invasive surgery

The minimally invasive surgical technique, also known as the keyhole technique, is used to remove the gallbladder. The procedure usually takes no longer than 45 minutes and patients can usually leave the clinic after two nights. This method enables precise work with only a small access into the abdomen, often via the belly button. The advantages of the minimally invasive technique are a significantly shortened recovery time, shortened hospital stays and reduced scarring.

To prevent gallstones, experts recommend a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise and a normal weight. The Medius Clinic In addition to surgical treatment, it offers comprehensive information and advice on prevention and the most modern treatment options. An experienced team of doctors is available to those affected, who provide individual care and treatment based on the latest medical findings.