Gallstones - Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

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Signs and Symptoms – What are the Symptoms of Gallstones?

Gallstones often go unnoticed until they cause a blockage in the bile ducts. The symptoms may come and go, particularly after eating fatty meals. Common signs include:

Sudden and Sharp Pain in the Upper Right or Middle Abdomen (Biliary Colic)

This is the most common symptom of gallstones and typically occurs when a stone temporarily blocks the bile duct. The pain can be intense, sudden, and may last from a few minutes to several hours. It often follows meals—especially those high in fat—and may subside once the stone moves or dislodges.

Pain that May Radiate to the Back or Right Shoulder

Gallbladder pain doesn’t always stay localized. It can radiate to areas such as the back or the right shoulder blade. This referred pain occurs because the nerves supplying the gallbladder are connected to other areas of the body.

Nausea and Vomiting

Digestive discomfort, including nausea and occasional vomiting, is common when gallstones disrupt normal bile flow. These symptoms often accompany gallbladder attacks and may worsen after eating.

Bloating, Indigestion, or Feeling Overly Full After Meals

Gallstones can interfere with fat digestion, leading to a sense of heaviness, abdominal bloating, or persistent indigestion. Patients may feel overly full even after small meals, which can affect appetite and overall well-being.

Fever and Chills (if Infection is Present)

When a gallstone causes a complete blockage and leads to infection (cholecystitis), symptoms become more severe. Fever, chills, and general malaise may indicate that the condition has progressed and requires immediate medical attention.

Jaundice – Yellowing of the Skin or Eyes Due to Blocked Bile Flow

In some cases, gallstones can block the bile ducts entirely, leading to a backup of bile in the liver. This results in jaundice—a yellowing of the skin and eyes—which signals a serious obstruction that must be promptly evaluated and treated.

Gallstone symptoms in females are particularly common due to hormonal factors like pregnancy, oral contraceptives, and hormone replacement therapy.

Diagnosis / Investigations

At Royal Care Hospital, our experienced gastroenterology and hepatobiliary teams utilize state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to accurately detect gallstones and assess the health of the biliary system:

Abdominal Ultrasound

Primary and most effective method for detecting gallstones

CT Scan / MRI Abdomen

Offers detailed images of the liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts

HIDA Scan (Cholescintigraphy)

Tests gallbladder function by tracking bile flow

Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)

High-resolution imaging for detecting tiny stones

ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography)

Diagnostic and therapeutic tool for bile duct stones

Blood Tests

Check for infection, liver function, and complications like pancreatitis

Types of Gallstones

Gallstones are generally categorized based on their composition:

Cholesterol Gallstones – Most common type, often yellow-green in color, formed due to excess cholesterol
Pigment Gallstones – Smaller, darker stones formed due to excess bilirubin (common in liver disease)
Mixed Gallstones – Contain cholesterol and calcium salts and are common in chronic gallbladder conditions

Causes-Gallstones can form when

Bile contains too much cholesterol
Bile contains too much bilirubin
Gallbladder does not empty efficiently

Common risk factors include

Obesity or rapid weight loss
High-fat or low-fiber diets
Family history of gallstones
Female gender, especially during pregnancy or hormone therapy

Age above 40 years
Diabetes, liver disease
Sedentary lifestyle

Treatments & Procedures

Treatment is based on the size, number of stones, and severity of symptoms. At Royal Care Hospital, we offer:

Conservative Management – Observation for asymptomatic gallstones
Medications – Bile acid pills (ursodiol) to dissolve small cholesterol stones (rarely used)
Laparoscopic Surgery – Minimally invasive removal of the gallbladder
Endoscopic Treatment (ERCP) – Removal of stones from bile ducts without surgery
Post-surgical dietary counseling – To manage digestion without a gallbladder

Prevention and Awareness

Experiencing symptoms of gallstones? Don’t wait. Book a consultation with our expert team for timely diagnosis and treatment.

Book An Appointment

Gastroenterology team

Dr. S. Paulvannan

MS, DNB, FRCS (Glasg), FRCS (Gen.Surg), CSST, HPB Fellow (Cambridge, UK).,

Consultant Surgical Gastro, Advanced Laparoscopic, HPB and GI Onco & Bariatric Surgeon

Dr. A. Sandip Chandrasekar

MS, M.Ch (SGE), DNB (GI.Surgery), FALS (Bariatric).,

Consultant Surgical Gastro, Advanced Laparoscopic, HPB,GI Oncology and Bariatric Surgeon

Dr. S. Soundappan

MBBS(MMC), MS(KEM, Mum), MRCS(UK), DNB - Surg Gastro (AIG, Hyd), FALS-Robotic, Fellowship-Hepatobiliary Surgery(AIG,Hyd), Fellowship-Liver transplant(CLBS,Delhi).,

Consultant - Gastro, Minimally invasive, and Liver transplantation surgery

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can gallstones disappear without treatment?

Most gallstones do not go away on their own and may require monitoring or removal.

2. What happens if I ignore gallstone symptoms?

Untreated gallstones can lead to infections, pancreatitis, and even life-threatening complications.

3. Is gallbladder removal safe?

Yes, laparoscopic gallbladder removal is safe and one of the most common surgeries worldwide.

4. How will my digestion change after surgery?

Most people digest food normally without a gallbladder, though some may need to adjust their diet initially.

" JCI & NABH Accredited Hospital "

Gallstones Treatment at
Royal Care Hospital