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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How To Treat Gallstone In A 4 Years Old Child?

My son 4 years old has gallstone of 5 mm size. It was accidently discovered 1yr back during sonography. I got the scan done twice to confirm it. He is not having any discomfort due to it (No pains). I want to know following things: 1. How severe is the problem i.e. 4 yr child with 5 mm gallstone. 2. Since there is no pain as of now will it be recommended to do the surgery and remove out the gallbladder. 2. Is it advisable to use Homeopathic medicine, since the medicine may try to expel the stone and may block the duct. 3. Is there any homeopathic medicine which only tries to dissolve the gallstone (and not to expel it)? 4. Chances of further growth of stone or development of new stones and is homeopathic medicine helpful in preventing it.
Mon, 17 Nov 2014
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Pediatrician 's  Response
Many of us, even in adulthood, have gall stones and never come to know about them unless incidentally while investigated for something else. It may remain there without ever causing any problems. So, I would say:
1. The problem is not severe until the child develops pain when immediate action would need to be taken.
2. No surgery required if he does not have pain. Please note that some surgeons might prefer to get it removed. I do not think that is required.
2b. Homeopathic medicines not advised
3. I would not suggest you to try to get the gall stones dissolved. For all practical purpose, they would not dissolve. The composition of the stones may vary. It may be pigment stones or calcium oxalate stones or certain other things. Even if there was a medicine to dissolve one, it would not work on the others.
4. You need not bother about the growth of stones. All you need to bother is that in case ever a pain develops, just rush the child to a hospital with surgical emergency. You need not try to find medicines to stop the growth of the stones. Had there been such a medicine, surely enough you would not have given it to the child throughout his life.
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How To Treat Gallstone In A 4 Years Old Child?

Many of us, even in adulthood, have gall stones and never come to know about them unless incidentally while investigated for something else. It may remain there without ever causing any problems. So, I would say: 1. The problem is not severe until the child develops pain when immediate action would need to be taken. 2. No surgery required if he does not have pain. Please note that some surgeons might prefer to get it removed. I do not think that is required. 2b. Homeopathic medicines not advised 3. I would not suggest you to try to get the gall stones dissolved. For all practical purpose, they would not dissolve. The composition of the stones may vary. It may be pigment stones or calcium oxalate stones or certain other things. Even if there was a medicine to dissolve one, it would not work on the others. 4. You need not bother about the growth of stones. All you need to bother is that in case ever a pain develops, just rush the child to a hospital with surgical emergency. You need not try to find medicines to stop the growth of the stones. Had there been such a medicine, surely enough you would not have given it to the child throughout his life.