Prognosis and variability

• Gallstones do not resolve spontaneously and once formed will persist throughout the rest of life. If treated by medication or lithotripsy there is subsequent a risk of further stone formation.
• When treated by removal of the gallbladder the problem should be resolved although in susceptible individuals there remains a small risk of further stones forming within in the bile ducts themselves.
• Chronic cholecystitis tends to run a prolonged course until treated definitively. Apart from some of the more vague symptoms, which cause only mild effect on lifestyle, it is the frequency and severity of episodes of acute cholecystitis that determines the need for specific treatment.
• The after effects of laparoscopic cholecystectomy are minimal with the person able to resume a normal life within a few weeks. Recovery from open cholecystectomy takes longer with at least six weeks for primary wound healing and up to three months to regain full function of the abdominal muscles.
• Symptoms are generally episodic in nature and variability relates only to the frequency of acute episodes. Most only last a few days and the patient should not suffer continuing disability between episodes. If these recur regularly then definitive treatment to resolve the problem is indicated.
• Complications following surgery or secondary affects of gallbladder disease on function of the liver or pancreas may prolong the illness but where there is evidence of such problems then each case would need to be considered on its own merits.