Gallstones cannot be removed without removing the entire gallbladder.
the verdict
REFUTED
the evidence says no
confidence 2/100
The claim that gallstones cannot be removed without removing the entire gallbladder is incorrect. Gallstones can frequently be extracted via endoscopic procedures like ERCP or surgical incisions in the gallbladder (cholecystotomy) while leaving the gallbladder intact.
Evidence against · 5
Association between hereditary spherocytosis and gallstone disease: Pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management.
2025 · cited by 1
Paper [0] discusses endoscopic approaches for extracting bile duct stones while preserving organs or managing stones independently of cholecystectomy.
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More against · 4
Research progress in the treatment of gallstones with laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery: a narrative review.
2025 · cited by 1
Paper [1] highlights emerging gallbladder-preserving surgical and endoscopic approaches driven by patients' desire to keep the organ.
Acute cholangitis due to a Type IV Mirizzi syndrome management strategy of a rare condition: a case report.
2026 · cited by 0
Paper [5] reports a case where gallstones were successfully extracted via cholecystotomy (opening the gallbladder) rather than removing the entire organ.
ERCP management of cystic duct stones with a rare anatomic variant in octogenarian: a case report.
2026 · cited by 0
Paper [6] demonstrates that gallstones and cystic duct stones can be successfully removed via ERCP with complete preservation of gallbladder function.
Laparoscopic Biliary Revision for Choledocholithiasis After Roux-en-Y-Gastric Bypass: A Case Report and Discussion of Management Strategies.
2026 · cited by 0
Paper [10] describes successful stone extraction and biliary revision via the cystic duct while addressing choledocholithiasis.