For "stones" to exit gallbladder, there are several things that are needed:
- gallbladder must be strong enough to push the gallstone(s) out.
- cystic duct must be larger than the smallest diameter of any stone, if that stones is to pass out
- all other bile ducts connecting cystic duct with the duodenum (including common bile duct and the sphincter of Oddi ) must be larger than the smallest diameter of any stone.
The sphincter of Oddi is a muscular valve that controls the flow of digestive juices (bile and pancreatic juice) through ducts from the liver, gallbladder and pancreas into the first part of the small intestine (duodenum).
So, size matters, both size of your ducts, and the size of your stones.
Also, the strength of your gallbladder matters.
- sometimes, people experience pain, but there are no stones. Pain can be caused by inflamed gallbladder, inflamed bile ducts, infection, inflamed intestines, inflamed stomach, etc...
And, statistically, we know that sometimes it can take many flushes before your gallbladder becomes so strong that it is able to push the stone out.
And, statistically, we know that sometimes people give up half way during this process and opt for surgery. That usually happens when they experience too much pain.
Beware, while surgery helps majority of those with pain, minority continues to suffer even after surgery. Not even surgery guaranties painless life.
Also, to some people, pain is triggered by some intolerance.
Like, if you are intolerant to milk, cheese can trigger the pain.
Also, intolerance to gluten may play role in pain.
Intolerance to other things may also play a role, like spices, fried foods, sugar, alcohol, vinegar etc.
WS