Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
193 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Is Surgery Advisable For Bile Stones In An Elderly Person?

My dad is 96 years old. His gallbladder was removed 60 years ago. He now has three large stones in his biliary duct. They were discovered incidentally while trying to determine why he was experiencing occasional nausea. The gastroenterologist said the two things were not related but that my dad could have the stones removed if he wanted. It is not necessary unless a blockage occurs. My dad is relatively healthy, on no medications, and has 125/80 blood pressure. Could he be a candidate for lithotripsy vs surgery?
posted on Tue, 23 Aug 2016
Twitter Tue, 20 Sep 2016 Answered on
Twitter Tue, 20 Sep 2016 Last reviewed on
Report Abuse
General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hello and thanks you for your query. I am Dr. Rommstein and I will try to help you as much as I can with my answer.

Lithotripsy is not indicated in cases of stones in main biliary duct. It can be performed is stone is located in gallbladder. It is possible to perform ERCP which is done by gastroscopic approach and less invasive then surgery. Surgery is definitely risk at his age and I would not force it unless jaundice and pain develops.

I hope I have answered you query. If you have any further questions you can contact us.
Kindly regards. Wish you a good health.
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
Is Surgery Advisable For Bile Stones In An Elderly Person?

Hello and thanks you for your query. I am Dr. Rommstein and I will try to help you as much as I can with my answer. Lithotripsy is not indicated in cases of stones in main biliary duct. It can be performed is stone is located in gallbladder. It is possible to perform ERCP which is done by gastroscopic approach and less invasive then surgery. Surgery is definitely risk at his age and I would not force it unless jaundice and pain develops. I hope I have answered you query. If you have any further questions you can contact us. Kindly regards. Wish you a good health.