The size of gallstones that generally require surgery to remove them is usually around two or three centimeters (about the size of chicken egg). Those that are smaller in size can often be treated with medication, but larger stones are likely to require surgical removal. It is important to note that the size of stones isn’t the only factor to consider when determining the treatment, and your doctor may recommend surgery even if the stones are smaller. Your doctor may also use other factors such as symptom severity to determine if surgery is the appropriate treatment.
It is also important to note that surgery may not always be the best option as it has its own set of risks and recovery time. Ultimately, your doctor will work with you to determine the best course of action based on your individual case.