The number one reason for intra-abdominal surgery in the United States is gallbladder removal, but is surgery the only answer for addressing gallbladder disease?
If you look on the Internet, you may find holistic or alternative therapies for healing gallbladder disease. There are many on the market. They usually involve drinking large amounts of citrus juice mixed with castor or olive oil. These alternative therapies will cause bowel movements, where the gallstones are supposedly passed.
I’ve had patients who – against my advice – tried at-home remedies to tackle gallstones, and they were all unsuccessful in their attempts. Today, the standard of care for gallbladder disease is to surgically remove the gallbladder.
For more useful health tips, visit Central Texas Medical Center’s YouTube channel at YouTube.com/CTMCSanMarcos.
Charles Mathis, MD
General Surgeon, Live Oak Health Partners
