Do You Have Gallstones?

Learn the symptoms, treatment, and when to seek medical help

What are gallstones?

They are hard deposits that form in the gallbladder, a small organ located under the liver. These “stones” can cause inflammation, pain, and in severe cases, infections or blockages in the bile ducts.

When is surgery recommended?

• You have repeated episodes of pain or gallbladder attacks (biliary colic)
• Inflammation or infection is detected
• You experience symptoms such as fever, vomiting, or jaundice
• The gallstones are large or multiple
• There is a risk of pancreatitis or obstruction

Common Symptoms

• Sudden pain in the upper right side of the abdomen
• Pain that radiates to the right shoulder or back
• Nausea or vomiting after eating
• Bloating, gas, or indigestion
• Fever (if there is an infection)
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)

When to Call a Doctor

See a specialist if you experience:

• Abdominal pain that repeats or worsens
• Frequent nausea without explanation
• Fever or chills
• Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin)
• Persistent vomiting

These symptoms may indicate serious complications such as cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder) or blockage of the bile ducts.

What can happen if you don’t get surgery?

If you don’t have surgery, especially if you’re already experiencing symptoms, you may face several medical complications such as:

• Acute cholecystitis:
  Inflammation and infection of the gallbladder. This is a medical emergency and causes fever, vomiting, and severe pain.
• Bile duct obstruction:
  Gallstones can block the flow of bile, leading to jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) and liver damage.
• Pancreatitis:
  If a stone blocks the pancreatic duct, it can inflame the pancreas. This is extremely painful and requires hospitalization.
• Gallbladder perforation:
  In severe cases, the gallbladder can rupture, causing widespread infection in the abdomen (peritonitis).
• Chronic or recurrent pain:
  Even without infection, pain can return after meals, limit your diet, and affect your quality of life.

Recovery After Surgery

• Discharge the same day or the next (for laparoscopic surgery)
• Mild to moderate pain controlled with pain medication
• You can start walking on the first or second day
• Avoid lifting heavy objects or straining for 2 weeks
• Light diet during the first few days
• The gallbladder does not need to be replaced; you can live without it

When Can I Return to Work?

• Office or light work: 7 to 10 days
• Physical or demanding work: 3 to 4 weeks
• Always check with your doctor before returning to your activities