Is a gall bladder flush safe for my 11 year-old? my son's appendics almost ruptured and was removed in september. at the time a gall stone showed up as well on his x-ray. i would much rather do a flush that is safe than have him go through surgery again.

If : If the gallstone is not causing symptoms then no treatment is required. Symptoms usually include pain in the right upper abdomen after a meal and can be severe. Laparoscopic removal of the gallbladder is the best treatment if symptoms do develop. There is no good alternative that is as safe and effective.

There : There is nothing in authentic medical literature that refers to a "gallbladder flush." I have had several patients mention this to me and my advice is to not do this. Causing a gallstone to pass can be more harmful and dealy than not. I agree with the other surgeons taht if he is symtomatic from this then treatment would be laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

An : An attempt to dissolve a gallstone in an 11 year old without symptoms is foolish. If he truly has symptoms related to this gallstone, he should have surgery to remove the gallbladder. Surgery is very, very safe and cures the problem.

Laparoscopic : Laparoscopic surgery is the correct treatment. Even if dissolved, the stone will recur. Has he had all the tests to check causes of gallstone in a cjild his age?

There : There is no reason to do a gallbladder flush on your son if he has never experienced symptoms of gallbladder disease. Maintaining a diet that is low in fat will help prevent formation of gallstones and trigger attacks of gallbladder symptoms.

NO to flush: Concur with others, no "gallbladder flush". More importantly is comprehensive evaluation including discussion with a pediatric surgeon. An 11 year old with gallstones is a distinct patient group. These links may assist: http://goo.Gl/6iiah and http://goo.Gl/1c7et.