NON-SURGICAL AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF CHOLELITHIASIS (PITTASHMARI): A CASE STUDY

Main Article Content

Dr. Durgesh Kumar
Dr.Chandrabhan Singh Gurjar
Dr. Suneel Kumar Rajpoot
Dr. Ratan Singh

Keywords

Cholelithiasis, Cholecystectomy Pittashmari, Pittashaya

Abstract

Cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder, remains the standard and most widely practiced treatment for cholelithiasis (gallstones). Nevertheless, increasing attention has been directed toward non-surgical alternatives, as conventional surgery entails complete organ removal. Timely management of gallstones is crucial not only for symptomatic relief but also for preventing serious complications such as acute cholecystitis. However, current medical therapies provide limited efficacy and accessibility in the conservative management of cholelithiasis.


Existing non-surgical modalities—including extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), contact dissolution therapy using methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE), and oral bile acid therapy with ursodiol or chenodiol—have demonstrated varying degrees of success but are constrained by safety concerns, recurrence rates, and procedural limitations. Although percutaneous cholecystostomy offers a minimally invasive alternative, its indications remain restricted. While cholecystectomy achieves a recurrence prevention rate of approximately 99%, 10–15% of patients develop post-cholecystectomy syndrome, underscoring the unmet need for safe, effective, and organ-preserving therapeutic strategies.


This article endeavors to advance the discourse on developing novel, evidence-based, non-surgical modalities for the management of cholelithiasis—aiming to provide a safer and more holistic alternative to conventional surgical intervention.

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