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Gallstones & Biliary Colic
Gallstones are crystals that form in the gallbladder. They can vary in size from tiny grains to large stones. They are very common and may be picked up on a scan performed for another reason. The gallbladder is a small organ beneath the liver that stores bile then ejects it into the intestine to help digest fat. Bile is a digestive fluid produced by the liver.
Gallstones are common. Many people have gallstones that don’t cause any symptoms.
Symptoms cause by gallstones can include:
Sudden, intense pain in the upper right abdomen or centre of the abdomen which usually eases after 30-60 minutes (biliary colic)
Back pain between the shoulder blades
Pain in the right shoulder
Nausea or vomiting
Gallstones can cause complications including:
Inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis) which can cause longer lasting pain in the upper abdomen and prevents the gallbladder from functioning properly
Blockage of the common bile duct, interrupting flow of bile to the intestine and leading to severe pain and jaundice.
Blockage of the pancreatic duct, which can cause pancreatitis
Severe pain, jaundice, or high fever with chills require urgent medical attention.
Treatment for Gallstones
Your specialist general surgeon will explain the treatment options that may be right for you and will ensure that you have appropriate treatment and follow up.
Observation
If symptoms are mild.
Surgical Removal
Surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) may be advised if you have symptoms or complications caused by gallstones.
Find A Specialist
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Dr Richard Perry
General & Colorectal Surgeon
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Dr Ian Bradford
General & Colorectal Surgeon
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A/Prof Craig Lynch
General & Colorectal Surgeon
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Dr Deborah Wright
General & Colorectal Surgeon
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Dr James Haddow
General & Colorectal Surgeon
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Dr Nigel S. Rajaretnam
Upper GI & Endocrine Surgeons
