Gallstones
Overview
Gallstones are small stones that form in the gallbladder. Most people who have them do not get symptoms. If gallstones are causing pain in your tummy, you may need surgery to remove your gallbladder.
Symptoms
Gallstones are common and often do not cause symptoms. But if a gallstone blocks a bile duct (a small tube that connects the gallbladder to the liver and other organs), they can cause tummy pain. The pain may: feel severebe constantlast longer than 30 minutes, and up to several hoursbe in the middle of your tummy, or just under your ribs on the right sidemake you feel sick or vomit This tummy pain is called a biliary colic.
Causes
Imbalance in bile makeup (usually excess cholesterol). Risks: female, 40+, overweight, rapid weight loss, pregnancy, diet high in fat/cholesterol.
Treatment
If you have gallstones, you might not need any treatment if they're not causing symptoms. You may need follow-up appointments with the doctor in the future to check the gallstones are not getting worse or causing problems. You may need treatment if: you have symptoms of gallstonesyou have complications from gallstonesgallstones are found in the common bile duct The main treatment for gallstones issurgery to remove the gallbladder (cholecystectomy). If gallstones are found in your common bile duct, you may have a procedure called endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP) to clear the bile duct. ERCP is done using a long, thin tube with a small camera inside, called an endoscope, which is passed into your stomach through your mouth. The opening of the bile duct is widened so the stones can pass through.
Prevention
Healthy diet (low fat, high fiber); gradual weight loss (avoid rapid crashing); healthy weight.
When to see a doctor
See GP for abdominal pain symptoms. Call 111/999 if: jaundice; abdominal pain >30 mins; high fever; shivering; severe vomiting.