Gallstones

Gallstones are hard stones that form in the gallbladder, a small organ under the liver that stores bile. They are common, especially in women, people over 40 and people who are overweight. Many gallstones cause no problems, but a stone can block the flow of bile and cause sudden severe pain, infection or jaundice.

Symptoms

Sudden, severe pain in the upper right or middle of the belly, often after a fatty meal
Pain that spreads to the right shoulder or back
Nausea and vomiting
Pain that lasts from half an hour to several hours
Fever and shivering if the gallbladder is infected
Yellow eyes or skin, dark urine and pale stools if a stone blocks the bile duct

Causes

Too much cholesterol or bile pigment in the bile
A gallbladder that does not empty well
Being a woman, pregnancy, and age over 40
Being overweight, or losing weight very fast
A family history of gallstones
Diabetes

Prevention

Keep a healthy weight, and lose weight slowly if you need to
Eat regular meals and do not skip meals
Eat more fibre and less fried and fatty food
Be physically active most days

Treatment

Stones that cause no symptoms usually need no treatment
Pain relief during an attack, as advised by a doctor
An operation to remove the gallbladder, often by keyhole surgery, for repeated attacks
Hospital care with fluids and antibiotics if the gallbladder is infected or the bile duct is blocked
Avoid heavy, fatty meals while waiting for treatment
Do not start antibiotics or other prescription medicines without a doctor

Common questions

Can I live without a gallbladder?

Yes. After the gallbladder is removed, bile flows straight from the liver into the gut. Most people eat normally, although very fatty meals may cause loose stools for a while.

Can medicines or herbal drinks dissolve gallstones?

Herbal drinks do not dissolve gallstones. A few medicines can slowly dissolve some small stones, but they work only in selected cases and stones often return. Surgery is the usual treatment for stones that cause pain.