What is the most common treatment for gallstones? The usual treatment for gallstones is surgery to remove the gallbladder. Doctors sometimes can use nonsurgical treatments to treat cholesterol stones, but pigment stones usually require surgery. Treatment options for gallstones include: Surgery to remove the gallbladder (cholecystectomy). Your doctor may recommend surgery to remove your gallbladder, since gallstones frequently recur. Medications to dissolve gallstones. Medications you take by mouth may help dissolve gallstones.