Gallstones

Gallstones are common, but many people don’t know they have them until symptoms start - often as sudden, severe pain after eating. 

If a gallstone blocks your bile duct, it can trigger a gallbladder attack, which may require medical care. 

Knowing the symptoms can help you recognize a problem early and get the right treatment. 

What are gallstones? 

Gallstones are hardened deposits that form in your gallbladder, a small organ under your liver that stores bile to help digest fat. 

They form when substances in bile -such as cholesterol or bilirubin -become unbalanced and turn into solid pieces. 

Gallstones can be: 

• As small as a grain of sand 
• As large as a golf ball 
• Single or multiple 

What is a gallbladder attack? 

A gallbladder attack (biliary colic) happens when a gallstone blocks the cystic duct. 

This traps bile in the gallbladder and causes sudden, intense pain, often after eating -especially fatty meals. 

Gallbladder attacks: 

• Often happen in the evening or at night 
• May come and go if the blockage is temporary 
• Can worsen over time if not treated 

What are the symptoms of gallstones? 

Many people have no symptoms (called silent gallstones). 

When symptoms do occur, they are often related to a gallbladder attack. 

Common gallstone symptoms include: 

• Sudden, severe pain in the upper right abdomen 
• Pain that may spread to the back or right shoulder 
• Pain after eating, especially fatty foods 
• Nausea or vomiting 
• Bloating or indigestion 

More serious symptoms may include: 

• Fever and chills 
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice) 
• Dark urine or light-colored stools 

When should you seek care for gallstones? 

Get medical attention right away if you have: 

• Severe abdominal pain that doesn’t go away 
• Fever and chills 
• Jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes) 
• Symptoms that are worsening 

These may be signs of infection or a blocked bile duct. 

What causes gallstones? 

Gallstones form when bile becomes unbalanced. 

Common causes include: 

• Too much cholesterol in bile 
• High bilirubin levels 
• Not enough bile salts 
• Poor gallbladder emptying 

Who is at risk for gallstones? 

You may be more likely to develop gallstones if you: 

• Are female 
• Are over age 40 
• Are overweight or obese 
• Are pregnant 
• Have diabetes 
• Have a family history of gallstones 
• Eat a high-fat, low-fiber diet 
• Lose weight quickly 
• Take estrogen-based medications 

Types of gallstones 

• Cholesterol stones: Most common, yellow in color 
• Pigment stones: Dark stones linked to liver or blood conditions 

Gallstones vs kidney stones 

While both cause pain, they are different conditions: 

• Gallstones: Form in the gallbladder and often cause pain after eating 
• Kidney stones: Form in the kidneys and cause pain that comes in waves as they move 

How are gallstones diagnosed? 

Your provider may use: 

• Ultrasound (most common test) 
• Blood tests 
• CT scan or MRI 
• ERCP or HIDA scan in certain cases 

How are gallstones treated? 

Treatment depends on symptoms. 

If you have no symptoms 

• No treatment may be needed 
• Lifestyle changes may help prevent symptoms 

If you have symptoms 

• Surgery to remove the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) is most common 
• Medications may be used in certain cases 

What happens during gallbladder removal surgery? 

Most people have laparoscopic surgery, which: 

• Uses small incisions 
• Has a shorter recovery time 
• Allows you to go home the same day or next day 

You can live normally without a gallbladder. 

Can gallstones cause complications? 

Yes. Untreated gallstones can lead to: 

• Gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis) 
• Pancreatitis 
• Blocked bile ducts 
• Infection 

How can you prevent gallstones? 

You can lower your risk by: 

• Eating a high-fiber diet 
• Limiting fatty and processed foods 
• Maintaining a healthy weight 
• Losing weight gradually (not rapidly) 
• Staying active 
• Drinking enough water 

Care you can trust 

At Banner Health, our digestive health specialists provide expert diagnosis and treatment for gallstones, including minimally invasive surgery. 

If you’re experiencing symptoms, don’t wait. Schedule an appointment to get answers and relief. 

Frequently asked questions about gallstones 

Can gallstones go away on their own? 

Most do not go away without treatment. 

What does gallstone pain feel like? 

It is often a sharp, steady pain in the upper right abdomen that may spread to the back. 

Can you have gallstones without symptoms? 

Yes. Many people have “silent” gallstones. 

Do you need surgery for gallstones? 

Only if they cause symptoms or complications. 

Bottom line 

Gallstones are common and often harmless, but they can cause sudden and severe pain when they block bile flow. Recognizing symptoms early and getting the right care can help prevent complications and provide lasting relief.