Can Gallstones Be Broken Up?
Gallstones are a common health issue, and many people wonder if they can be treated with lithotripsy, a method often used for kidney stones. However, gallstones typically cannot be treated with lithotripsy due to several reasons, including the gallbladder’s location and the composition of the stones. The gallbladder is situated below the liver in a relatively deep position, surrounded by complex tissue structures, making it unsuitable for extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. This treatment method is more appropriate for kidney stones, which are located in a relatively more accessible area. Gallstones are primarily composed of cholesterol, bilirubin, and calcium salts. These... Learn more