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Gallstones (cholelithiasis) are hardened deposits of bile that form in the gallbladder, a small organ beneath the liver that stores bile for fat digestion. Gallstones affect approximately 10-15% of the US population, with an estimated 20 million Americans having gallstones. They are one of the most common digestive conditions requiring medical attention.
There are two main types of gallstones: cholesterol stones (accounting for about 80% of cases) and pigment stones (more common in Asian populations). While many gallstones are "silent" and cause no symptoms, they can lead to biliary colic (severe abdominal pain), cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation), choledocholithiasis (bile duct stones), cholangitis (bile duct infection), and gallstone pancreatitis.
Dr. Jing Tong is one of the few specialists in the area licensed in therapeutic endoscopy, including ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) for removing bile duct stones without surgery. This advanced skill is critical for patients with complicated gallstone disease.
Fellowship trained at Johns Hopkins with specialized training in biliary diseases and interventional procedures.
One of the few US specialists licensed in therapeutic endoscopy. Expert ERCP for bile duct stone removal without surgery.
Fluent in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese. Clear communication about procedures and treatment options.
From initial diagnosis through ERCP and surgical referral, we coordinate your complete gallstone treatment journey.
No. "Silent" gallstones that cause no symptoms generally do not require treatment. However, once gallstones become symptomatic (causing pain, inflammation, or complications), treatment is recommended to prevent recurrence and serious complications.
ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) is a minimally invasive procedure to remove stones from the bile duct. It is needed when gallstones migrate from the gallbladder into the common bile duct, causing jaundice, infection, or pancreatitis. Dr. Tong is specially trained in this procedure.
If the gallbladder is removed (cholecystectomy), gallstones cannot recur in the gallbladder. However, stones can sometimes form in the bile ducts after surgery. If only ERCP is performed without removing the gallbladder, new stones may form in the gallbladder.
Ursodiol (ursodeoxycholic acid) can dissolve small cholesterol gallstones over 6-24 months, but this works in only a small percentage of patients. It is typically reserved for patients who cannot undergo surgery. Pigment stones cannot be dissolved with medication.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe abdominal pain lasting more than a few hours, fever with chills, jaundice, or severe nausea and vomiting. These may indicate cholangitis, pancreatitis, or gallbladder perforation, all of which require urgent treatment.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Jing Tong for accurate diagnosis and advanced treatment.
