ERCP or Lithotripsy for large, solitary gallstone

Digestive health
1

Hi there, I have been in pain for the past eighteen months and diagnosed with a 19mm solitary gallstone (perhaps a little bigger now). I have deferred three operations, endured countless painful episodes, kept away from certain trigger foods,  but still am very aprehensive of having my gallbladder removed. I have spoken with my Consultant/s regarding any alternatives, and they all say the same thing....."Gallbladder removal".

Is this just common practice to remove and be done with, or is this just a cost thing??

Surely, there must be another way to remove one stone!...........

Well, during this time I have done much research into this condition and its alternatives, then  suddenly came across an article in the Daily Mail, where a lady had her gallstones shattered then removed by ERCP, at an Hospital in Aintree, Liverpool

So, the question I would like to ask is, where in the South East of the UK,  can I get this proceedure done. Also, how would I go about arranging this??

I really would like to keep my gallbladder, just to get my troublesome stone removed

I would also say, I would not mind having the stone blasted, then taking a dissolution medication to remove the tiny fragments

Thanks for reading, and any help would be greatly appreciated

Thanks

2

I can't answer your particular questions I'm afraid but my Mum, 86, recently had a huge gallstone force it's way through to her intestine and had to have an emergency op to remove it. She is doing well now but I think it would be better to avoid that happening one way or another.

3

you are truly a saint if you have been having episodes that long.  After my first episode I took a wait and see attitude, after the second I was practically begging them to take it out!

4

Thanks carol45436 and nancy91299 for your replies, I must admit its been very hard. But if that day comes when it HAS to, and it needs come out, I will go through with it. Stil so aprehensive as some of the experiences of removal are devastating. I have to think whether its best to live with the pain, or have surgery and still endure pain?? This is why I would like the ERCP proceedure done first. I suppose the longer I leave it, more complications could occur, like your Mum, Carol.

Carol, hope your Mum is much better now...bye the way what size was her gallstone???