Myth 1: Gallstones can be flushed out in urine.
Fact: Gallstones develop in the gallbladder and do not pass out in the urine. Urinary stones formed in the kidney can pass out through urine.
Myth 2: Gallbladder surgery is risky and painful.
Fact: While all kinds of surgeries involve a certain percentage of risks, gallstone surgeries are effective and very safe. Being one of the most commonly performed surgeries to remove gallstones, a keyhole/laparoscopic surgery is barely painful.
Myth 3: All gallstones need immediate treatment.
Fact: Gallstones can be left untreated if they do not cause any signs and symptoms. However, it is important to remember that you have gallstones in case they begin to cause problems in the future.
Myth 4: Endoscopy can remove gallstones.
Fact: Endoscopy (ERCP) is helpful only in removing stones which have entered the bile duct from the gallbladder. There is a possibility that the gallstones can recur and removing gallstones by endoscopy has not yet become a routine practice.
Myth 5: Only gallstones are removed during a surgery.
Fact: Gallstones result in poor and abnormal functioning of the gallbladder. The entire gallbladder is removed during surgery as it prevents further inflammation and also reduces the chances of recurrence.