If you’ve ever felt a sudden, sharp pain in your upper right abdomen after eating, especially something greasy, you might be dealing with gallstones. I’ve seen many patients come into our clinic worried about what this pain could mean—and for a good reason. Gallstones are more common than most of us realize, but the good news is that they’re treatable.
Let’s walk through what gallstones are, why they form, the symptoms you should watch for, and the treatment options we usually recommend.
What Are Gallstones?
Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid, primarily bile, that form in your gallbladder. Your gallbladder is a small organ located under your liver that helps with digesting fats. When bile contains too much cholesterol or not enough bile salts, stones can form.
These stones can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. Some people only have one, while others may have many.
What Causes Gallstones?
We often tell our patients that gallstones are usually the result of an imbalance in the substances that make up bile. Some of the most common causes include:
- Too much cholesterol in your bile
- Excess bilirubin, which can occur due to liver disease or infection
- Poor gallbladder emptying, which causes bile to become concentrated
Certain factors can increase your risk. These include:
- Being female
- Being over the age of 40
- Pregnancy
- Having a family history of gallstones
- Being overweight or obese
- Eating a high-fat or low-fiber diet
- Losing weight rapidly
What Symptoms Should We Look For?
Some people have silent gallstones and never know they have them. But when gallstones cause a blockage or inflammation, we see symptoms like:
- Sudden, intense pain in the upper right or center abdomen
- Pain that radiates to the back or right shoulder blade
- Nausea or vomiting
- Indigestion, especially after fatty meals
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) if the bile duct is blocked
If you or someone you love is experiencing these symptoms, especially if they come in waves or are triggered by meals, it’s time to get checked.
How Do We Diagnose Gallstones?
We usually start with a physical exam and symptom review, followed by imaging tests like:
- Ultrasound (the most common method)
- CT scan or MRI
- HIDA scan (if we suspect a blocked bile duct)
Blood tests may also be used to check for infection or liver function issues.
Treatment Options We Recommend
1. Watchful Waiting
If your gallstones aren’t causing symptoms, we may just monitor them over time. No need for surgery unless complications arise.
2. Medications
In some cases, we might try medications like ursodiol to dissolve cholesterol-based gallstones. This method takes months or even years and is often less effective than other options.
3. Surgery (Cholecystectomy)
The most common and effective treatment is surgical removal of the gallbladder, usually via a laparoscopic (minimally invasive) approach. I’ve performed this procedure on many patients, and most recover quickly with minimal discomfort.
You can live a completely normal life without a gallbladder—your body simply finds other ways to digest fats.
Can We Prevent Gallstones?
Yes—and here’s how we help patients reduce their risk:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Avoid rapid weight loss
- Eat a balanced diet with fiber and healthy fats
- Exercise regularly
If you’re prone to gallstones, we might also suggest avoiding very high-fat meals or fasting for extended periods.
Final Thoughts
Gallstones may be common, but they don’t have to control your life. Whether you’re feeling sharp abdominal pain or you’ve just been diagnosed, we’re here to guide you through every step—from diagnosis to treatment and recovery.
If you think you might be experiencing gallstone symptoms, don’t wait. Reach out today for an evaluation. Together, we’ll find the best way to protect your health and get you back to feeling your best.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best treatment for gallstones?
The most effective treatment for gallstones, especially if you’re experiencing symptoms, is surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy). This is usually done laparoscopically, allowing for a faster recovery and minimal scarring. Medications to dissolve stones exist but are typically less effective and used only in specific cases.
DR Girish offers traditional laparoscopic cholecystectomy & also latest cosmetic minilaparoscopy cholecystectomy
What is the main cause of gallbladder stones?
Gallstones often form when there’s too much cholesterol in bile, not enough bile salts, or when the gallbladder doesn’t empty properly. Other contributing factors include obesity, rapid weight loss, pregnancy, and certain medical conditions like diabetes or liver disease.
Can gallstones go away without surgery?
In some cases, especially if the gallstones are small and not causing symptoms, they may not require treatment. However, gallstones usually do not go away on their own. While medications may dissolve them slowly, surgery remains the most reliable option if symptoms or complications develop.
What are the first signs of having gallstones?
Early signs include sudden pain in the upper right abdomen, especially after eating fatty meals. Other symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, bloating, and pain between the shoulder blades. If you’re noticing these signs regularly, it’s important to get checked by a healthcare professional.
