Bariatric surgery · Obesity and metabolism

Gallstones

Understand gallbladder stones, biliary colic and complications that need treatment.

Editorial publication · Medical review pending.

Understand

Gallstones are solid deposits that form in the gallbladder or bile ducts.

They are often silent; blockage can cause severe constant upper or right-sided abdominal pain with nausea or vomiting.

Bile composition and gallbladder emptying are involved; age, female sex, obesity, rapid weight loss and some conditions raise risk.

Pain features and examination guide diagnosis and check for inflammation, obstruction or pancreatic involvement.

Ultrasound and blood tests are usual; bile-duct MRI or other investigations are sometimes needed.

Stones without symptoms often remain quiet; painful episodes may recur and blockage can cause infection, jaundice or pancreatitis.

No treatment may be needed; symptomatic disease is often treated by gallbladder removal, while a duct stone can be removed endoscopically.

Seek prompt advice for abdominal pain lasting more than thirty minutes or repeated attacks.

Sudden severe abdominal pain, fever, chills, jaundice or pain spreading to the back with vomiting needs urgent help.

A procedure linked to a condition does not establish an indication for your individual situation.