Let sleeping stones lie

Q: I have silent gallstones and my doctor wants me to have surgery to have them removed. They're not bothering me, and I'd rather not have surgery unless I absolutely need it. Do you have any information about this condition that might help me make a decision one way or the other?

JVW: "Silent" gallstones are gallstones not associated with any gallbladder attacks. Back in the mid-1990s, the New England Journal of Medicine published a study that compared the mortality rate from emergency surgery for obstructing gallstones with the mortality rate from routine gallbladder surgery and concluded that it is actually more dangerous. They advised that silent gallstones should not be subject to surgery but left alone.

Special NAH Reports

» Diabetes Prevention

» Look Younger

» Big Health Secrets

» Herbal Healing

» Heal Your Body

Health Disclaimer! The information provided on this site should not be construed as personal medical advice or instruction. No action should be taken based solely on the contents of this site. Readers should consult appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to their health and well-being. The information and opinions provided here are believed to be accurate and sound, based on the best judgment available to the authors, but readers who fail to consult appropriate health authorities assume the risk of any injuries. The publisher is not responsible for errors or omissions. © 1994-2008 Healthier News LLC.