Gallstones: symptoms and treatment
Gallstones form in the gallbladder. Many cause no symptoms, but a stone blocking the gallbladder or bile duct can cause pain, inflammation, jaundice or pancreatitis. Symptomatic gallstones are commonly treated by removing the gallbladder laparoscopically.
Common symptoms
- Steady pain in the upper or right side of the abdomen
- Pain lasting more than 30 minutes and sometimes several hours
- Nausea or vomiting with the pain
- Jaundice, fever or pain spreading to the back when complications develop
How gallstones are assessed
- Clinical history and abdominal examination
- Ultrasound of the gallbladder and bile ducts
- Blood tests, including liver-function tests
- MRCP, CT or ERCP when a bile-duct stone or complication is suspected
Treatment options
- Observation when stones are incidental and cause no symptoms
- Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic or complicated gallstones
- ERCP when stones are present in the common bile duct
- Urgent hospital treatment for infection, pancreatitis or obstructive jaundice
Before your appointment
- Bring your ultrasound and blood-test reports
- Note where the pain starts, how long it lasts and whether food triggers it
- List episodes of fever, jaundice or hospital admission
- Bring a list of medicines and major medical conditions
Go to an emergency department for
- • Sudden severe or persistent abdominal pain
- • Pain with repeated vomiting or pain spreading to the back
- • High fever, chills or feeling very unwell
- • Yellow eyes or skin with dark urine
Do gallstones always need treatment?
No. Stones found incidentally may not need treatment if they cause no symptoms. Symptoms or complications change that decision.
Can I live normally without a gallbladder?
Most people can digest food and live normally after gallbladder removal. Your surgeon will explain expected recovery and individual dietary advice.
Important: This information is for general education. It is not a diagnosis, emergency advice or an individual treatment plan. If you have urgent symptoms, go to the nearest emergency department.
Information sources
Content last updated: 2026-08-26