Author Archives: Dr. Li

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About Dr. Li

I am a professional surgeon based in Beijing, China.

How is bile-duct stone disease treated?

The biliary tree is divided into intrahepatic and extrahepatic systems.Extrahepatic bile ducts: gallbladder, common bile duct (CBD), common hepatic duct.Intrahepatic bile ducts: second-order and third-order segmental ducts.Treatment is chosen according to the exact location of the stone(s): Gallbladder stones – laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Common-bile-duct stones – laparoscopic CBD exploration with stone extraction. Intrahepatic stones complicated by cholangitis – often cause lobar atrophy; treat with hepatic lobectomy to remove the diseased parenchyma and relieve associated strictures. Diffuse intrahepatic stones (“full-liver” stones) – stricture-plasty or Roux-en-Y hepatico-jejunostomy is performed when extensive stricturing precludes simple clearance. Stone LocationDescriptionPrimary TreatmentGallbladderExtrahepatic; stones within the gallbladder lumenLaparoscopic... Learn more

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  5. What are the symptoms of vas deferens stones?
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Is the onset of kidney stones sudden?

The acute pain caused by kidney stones often occurs suddenly. This happens when a stone, moving along with the urine flow, suddenly blocks the outlet of the renal pelvis or the ureter, causing urine to accumulate in the kidney and resulting in hydronephrosis. At this point, there is a sharp increase in pressure inside the renal pelvis, which can produce intense pain. This pain usually has no obvious warning signs and, once it appears, progressively worsens in a paroxysmal manner. Patients need to go to the hospital immediately for symptomatic treatment, such as intramuscular injection of analgesics, extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy,... Learn more

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  1. What are the symptoms of vas deferens stones?
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  3. Can patients with stones eat eggs?
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What are the symptoms of vas deferens stones?

Vas deferens stones are relatively rare in clinical practice and occur mostly in young and middle-aged men. They are often caused by a deficiency of proteolytic enzymes in the seminal fluid. Some patients are asymptomatic, while others may experience hemospermia, painful ejaculation, or urinary discomfort. Diagnosis typically requires imaging techniques such as multislice spiral CT or ultrasound. Because the stones are located within the vas deferens and generally do not move, many patients do not experience noticeable symptoms. However, if the stone is large or has sharp edges, it may damage the mucosal lining of the vas deferens, leading to... Learn more

Related articles：

  1. Is the onset of kidney stones sudden?
  2. Can patients with stones eat tofu?
  3. Can patients with stones eat eggs?
  4. Where in the human body can stones (calculi) form?
  5. Is it a myth that pumpkin vines can cure stones?
  6. Can drinking too much tea cause stones?

Which is better: endoscopic or conventional (open) thyroid surgery?

1. Size first: 4 cm is the cut-off Benign nodules or papillary cancers ≤4 cm, intact capsule, no airway/nerve/vessel invasion→ An endoscopic approach (trans-oral TOETVA, axillary, areolar, etc.) gives the same quality of lobectomy plus central-compartment dissection; six-month recurrence rates are identical to open surgery. Tumours >4 cm, multifocal lesions kissing the recurrent laryngeal nerve, gross extrathyroidal extension or bulky lateral-neck nodes→ Open operation gives a wider view, safer handling and a lower chance of “leaving disease behind”. 2. Patient second: can you tolerate CO₂ insufflation and a sub-cutaneous tunnel? Green light Age 18–60, BMI <30, no significant cardiopulmonary disease... Learn more

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