Gallstones cannot be removed without removing the entire gallbladder.
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.
While laparoscopic cholecystectomy (removing the entire gallbladder) remains the standard treatment for symptomatic gallstones, various medical and surgical techniques allow for gallstone removal or extraction while preserving the gallbladder itself (e.g., via ERCP, choledochotomy, or cholecystotomy). Therefore, the claim is clearly refuted by medical practice and literature demonstrating gallbladder-sparing stone removal.
Cong S, Wang YN, Wang JR, Duan RH. Association between hereditary spherocytosis and gallstone disease: Pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management.. 2025. https://doi.org/10.4240/wjgs.v17.i7.105033
Paper [0] discusses endoscopic approaches for extracting bile duct stones while preserving organs or managing stones independently of cholecystectomy.
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Zhang Y, Dai X, Duan R, Wei L. Research progress in the treatment of gallstones with laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery: a narrative review.. 2025. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12893-025-02977-8
Paper [1] highlights emerging gallbladder-preserving surgical and endoscopic approaches driven by patients' desire to keep the organ.
Sebai A, Hammami M, Atri S, Ben Mahmoud A, Daghfous A, Kacem M. Acute cholangitis due to a Type IV Mirizzi syndrome management strategy of a rare condition: a case report.. 2026. https://doi.org/10.1097/rc9.0000000000000125
Paper [5] reports a case where gallstones were successfully extracted via cholecystotomy (opening the gallbladder) rather than removing the entire organ.
Zhang Y, Zhang S, Li F, Jing X, Liu Q, Yu M. ERCP management of cystic duct stones with a rare anatomic variant in octogenarian: a case report.. 2026. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsurg.2026.1801270
Paper [6] demonstrates that gallstones and cystic duct stones can be successfully removed via ERCP with complete preservation of gallbladder function.
Benhauresch R, Gogos AA, Magdeburg B, Soll C, Biraima-Steinemann M, Arbogast M. Laparoscopic Biliary Revision for Choledocholithiasis After Roux-en-Y-Gastric Bypass: A Case Report and Discussion of Management Strategies.. 2026. https://doi.org/10.12659/ajcr.950040
Paper [10] describes successful stone extraction and biliary revision via the cystic duct while addressing choledocholithiasis.
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