Treatment of Choledocholithiasis

Choledocholithiasis is treated by using endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, since this technique can be used not only for imaging but also for treatment. Once the stone located within the duct system it is removed using ERCP, the surgeon then removes the gallbladder using either open cholecystectomy or laparoscopic cholecystectomy in order to prevent recurrence of this complication.

Prognosis

Prognosis for gallstone disease is relatively good. In most cases gallstones do not cause any symptoms and the person can live with them without even knowing that they are there. The complications are quite rare and the vast majority of the patients that go through the removal of the gallbladder do not experience any negative side effects.