Hello, I have a 17 mm gallstone in my gallbladder, but I'm not experiencing any pain right now. I'm 42 years old, and I know surgery is likely necessary at some point, but Im wondering if I should go ahead and have the operation now or if its okay to...
Given your situation, it's essential to consider the risks and benefits of immediate versus delayed surgery.Risks of Delayed Surgery1. Increased risk of complications: A 17 mm stone is considered large, and delaying surgery may lead to complications, such as:- Gallstone pancreatitis- Cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder)- Jaundice2. Potential for stone growth: The stone may continue to grow, making it more challenging to remove and increasing the risk of complications.3. Risk of gallbladder cancer: Although rare, a large stone like yours may increase the risk of gallbladder cancer.Benefits of Immediate Surgery1. Reduced risk of complications: Removing the stone and gallbladder now can prevent potential complications.2. Less risk of stone growth: Removing the stone now will prevent it from growing larger and causing more problems.3. Improved quality of life: Surgery can alleviate anxiety and concerns about potential complications.RecommendationConsidering your age and the size of the stone, it's recommended to undergo surgery as soon as possible. The risks of delayed surgery outweigh the benefits of waiting.