What Are Gallstones?
Gallstones are hardened deposits of bile that form in the gallbladder. They range from grain-sized to golf ball-sized. Many people have gallstones with no symptoms ('silent stones'). Problems arise when stones block the bile ducts.
Symptoms of Gallstones
- Sudden, severe pain in the upper right abdomen or centre (biliary colic)
- Pain that radiates to the right shoulder or back
- Nausea and vomiting during an attack
- Attacks often triggered by fatty meals
- Pain lasts minutes to hours
Complications
| Complication | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Cholecystitis (infected gallbladder) | Fever + constant right-sided pain + tenderness |
| Choledocholithiasis (stone in bile duct) | Jaundice, dark urine, pale stools |
| Cholangitis (infected bile duct) | Charcot's triad: fever, jaundice, right upper quadrant pain — emergency |
| Pancreatitis (stone blocking pancreatic duct) | Severe central/upper abdominal pain radiating to back |
Seek Urgent Care If:You have fever with jaundice (skin/eyes turning yellow) and abdominal pain — this is Charcot's triad and may indicate ascending cholangitis, a surgical emergency.
Blood Tests for Gallstones
| Test | What It Shows |
|---|---|
| Liver function tests (ALP, bilirubin) | Elevated with bile duct obstruction |
| Amylase/Lipase | Elevated if gallstone pancreatitis |
| Full Blood Count | Raised white cells if infection (cholecystitis) |
| CRP | Elevated inflammation in cholecystitis |
FAQs
Do all gallstones need treatment?
No — asymptomatic 'silent' gallstones rarely need surgery. Treatment is for symptomatic stones or complications.
What is the surgery for gallstones?
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (keyhole removal of the gallbladder) — the gallbladder is not essential for normal digestion.
Can you dissolve gallstones without surgery?
Ursodeoxycholic acid can dissolve small cholesterol stones but only works in a minority of patients and takes months to years.
Medical Disclaimer: Gallstone-related fever and jaundice together are a medical emergency requiring urgent hospital assessment.