Treatment of symptomatic retained GB stone is?
**Core Concept:**
The correct answer pertains to the management of patients with symptoms resulting from the presence of a gallstone (gallbladder stone) that has not passed on its own. These stones can cause biliary colic, cholangitis, or pancreatitis.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:**
In the context of symptomatic retained gallstones, the appropriate management involves removing the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) to alleviate the symptoms caused by the stones. This surgical procedure, known as cholecystectomy, removes the gallbladder and the stones, thereby eliminating the source of the symptoms.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
A) **Option A:** Lithotripsy - This refers to the fragmentation of stones using various techniques (e.g., extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, ultrasound-guided lithotripsy). Lithotripsy does not address the underlying issue and the stones may still persist, leading to ongoing symptoms.
B) **Option B:** Choledocholithotomy - This operation involves removing the gallstones from the common bile duct. While helpful for choledocholithiasis (gallstone in the common bile duct), it does not address the retained gallstones within the gallbladder and may not resolve the symptoms completely.
C) **Option C:** Choledocholithotomy with cholecystectomy - Even though both procedures are performed, this option does not differentiate between the two procedures and may not be the best approach for symptomatic gallstones.
D) **Option D:** Anticholinergics - These medications are used to relieve spasms in the biliary tract. However, they do not address the presence of gallstones, which remains the primary cause of symptoms.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact:**
The management of symptomatic gallstones involves addressing the primary issue, which is the presence of the gallstones themselves. While various treatment options are available, cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal) is the most effective way to relieve symptoms caused by retained gallstones.
**Correct Answer:** D) Cholecystectomy
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