Gallstones explained: what they are and when treatment is needed
If you’ve been told you might have gallstones, you may feel uncertain about what this means for your health. The good news is that many people have gallstones without any symptoms and never need treatment. This article explains what gallstones are, why they form, and how to understand whether you need further care.
What are gallstones?
Gallstones are hard deposits that form inside your gallbladder, a small organ beneath your liver that stores bile. Bile is a fluid that helps your body digest fats. When bile contains too much cholesterol or bilirubin, or when the gallbladder doesn’t empty properly, these substances can crystallise and form stones. Gallstones vary in size from tiny grains of sand to larger pebbles.
Do all gallstones cause symptoms?
No. In fact, most people with gallstones have no symptoms at all. These are called “silent” gallstones, and they’re often discovered by chance during an ultrasound or scan done for another reason. Silent gallstones typically don’t need treatment unless they start to cause problems.
Symptoms develop when a gallstone blocks the bile duct or irritates the gallbladder wall. Common symptoms include:
- Sudden pain in the upper right part of your abdomen
- Pain between your shoulder blades
- Pain in your right shoulder
- Nausea or vomiting
- Discomfort after eating fatty foods
When is treatment recommended?
Your doctor may recommend treatment if:
- You have symptoms caused by gallstones (biliary colic or cholecystitis)
- Stones are blocking your bile duct
- You have inflammation of the pancreas linked to gallstones
- Your gallbladder has become infected
- You have large stones and certain risk factors
The most common treatment is surgical removal of the gallbladder, called a cholecystectomy. This can be done using laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery, which is minimally invasive, or open surgery if needed. Many people live normally without a gallbladder.
What should you do next?
If you’ve been diagnosed with gallstones but have no symptoms, your doctor will likely recommend monitoring rather than immediate treatment. Keep track of any new symptoms and report them at your next appointment.
If you do have symptoms, your GP can refer you to a surgeon for specialist assessment. During this consultation, your surgeon will review your symptoms, examine you, and discuss whether surgery or another approach is right for you.
Frequently asked questions
Can gallstones go away on their own?
Gallstones do not dissolve or disappear naturally. However, if you have silent gallstones with no symptoms, they may never cause problems and treatment may not be necessary. Your doctor will advise you on the best approach based on your individual situation.
Is gallbladder surgery safe?
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a well-established, safe procedure performed routinely in the NHS. Complications are uncommon. Your surgeon will discuss any risks specific to your health before the operation and answer any questions you have.
Next step
If you’ve been diagnosed with gallstones and want to understand your treatment options, a specialist surgeon can provide personalised advice based on your symptoms and medical history. View Dr Niteen Tapuria’s MeditSimple profile to book a consultation or discuss your concerns with a general and laparoscopic surgeon with expertise in gallbladder and bile duct conditions.
