$Unique_ID{BRK00377}
$Pretitle{Digestive System}
$Title{Alternatives to Gallstone Surgery}
$Subject{gallstones removal}
$Volume{I-9}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Alternatives to Gallstone Surgery


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QUESTION:  When my doctor told me that the cause of all my trouble was
gallstones, I could have fainted.  I am deathly afraid of anything that even
resembles surgery, and I don't even want to go to a hospital for treatment.  I
know there must be another way, a diet or a medicine or something, that will
let me stay at home and be treated there.  Do you know of anything that can
help me?

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ANSWER:  Your question resembles so many others.  When a diagnosis is made
that can be corrected with surgery, we all begin to seek other means of
ridding ourself of the ailment or disease.  Very often it is the only way to a
cure, and I recommend that path, confidant that skilled surgeons exist
throughout our land with well equipped hospitals to assure the care and
treatment necessary.  You dear reader, however, have "lucked out" if you will,
for a new medication is available that may be able to help you.  Its called
ursodiol (Actigall manufactured by Ciba-Geigy) and comes in pill form.  It is
useful to dissolve non-calcified stones that are transparent (radiolucent) on
x-ray.  You will have to check with your physician to be sure that the stones
causing your pain are the type that this medication will work on.  You will
need a 300 mg dose twice a day, and may experience some mild diarrhea as a
side effect, although, from your letter, I doubt that this will bother you
half as much as your fears.  I hope this will work for you, otherwise you will
have to rethink your position, for painful gallstones are not easy to live
with.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
