Gallstones usually cannot be removed without surgery if they are causing symptoms or complications
If stones are small and cholesterol-based, doctors may prescribe ursodeoxycholic acid to help dissolve them over months to years
If a stone is stuck in the bile duct, an endoscopic procedure called ERCP may remove it without gallbladder surgery
If surgery is not possible, a doctor may consider shock wave lithotripsy in select cases
If there are no symptoms, watchful waiting may be recommended
Maintain a low-fat, balanced diet to reduce gallbladder attacks
Avoid rapid weight loss and fasting
Stay hydrated
Seek urgent medical care for severe right upper abdominal pain, fever, jaundice, vomiting, or dark urine