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Last Updated on November 26, 2025 by Bilal Hasdemir
Gallstones are hard, crystalized deposits that form in the gallbladder or biliary tree. Made up of cholesterol, bilirubin, and bile, these stones can cause serious complications such as biliary colic, acute cholecystitis, cholangitis, or pancreatitis.
Modern endoscopy for gallstones has transformed how these conditions are diagnosed and treated. Using advanced endoscopic techniques like ERCP, doctors can locate and remove stones trapped in the bile ducts. This minimally invasive approach helps relieve symptoms and prevent future complications.
To learn more about gallstones and their treatment options, visit WebMD’s gallstones page for additional information.
Gallstones are hard deposits in the gallbladder. They can be cholesterol or pigment stones. Knowing how they form helps in treating them.
Gallstones are made of cholesterol, bilirubin, and calcium salts. Cholesterol stones are common and linked to too much cholesterol in bile. Pigment stones are made of bilirubin and often seen in people with hemolytic anemia.
The type of gallstone affects its look and symptoms. Cholesterol stones are yellowish and big. Pigment stones are smaller and darker.
Many things can lead to gallstones. These include being overweight, having diabetes, and certain diets. Genetic factors also play a role.
Gallstones form when bile gets out of balance. Cholesterol stones happen when there’s too much cholesterol. Pigment stones form from too much bilirubin, often due to hemolysis.
| Type of Gallstone | Composition | Common Causes |
| Cholesterol Stones | Primarily cholesterol | Supersaturation of bile with cholesterol, obesity, high-cholesterol diet |
| Pigment Stones | Bilirubin and calcium salts | Hemolytic anemia, liver cirrhosis, biliary infections |
People with gallstones often feel a mix of symptoms that can be very uncomfortable. These signs usually mean something is wrong and need a doctor’s check-up.
Abdominal pain in the upper right area is a key sign of gallstones. It can get worse after eating fatty foods. The pain can be mild or very bad and might spread to the back or right shoulder.
Nausea and vomiting are common in those with gallstones. These symptoms can happen with or without pain in the belly. They might show that the gallstones are blocking or irritating the digestive system.
Yes, gallstones can make you feel really unwell. The pain and discomfort can make you feel sick or tired. This feeling can affect your daily life and how well you feel overall.
| Symptom | Description |
| Abdominal Pain | Pain in the upper right abdomen, potentially triggered by fatty meals |
| Nausea and Vomiting | Feeling queasy or vomiting, potentially indicating a blockage or irritation |
| General Malaise | A general feeling of being unwell or sick |
Knowing where gallstone pain is felt helps in diagnosing and managing it. Gallstone pain, also known as biliary colic, happens when gallstones block the bile ducts.
The pain from gallstones is usually felt in the right upper abdomen. It can be very severe and may spread to the back or right shoulder. This is because the gallbladder is located under the liver in the right upper quadrant.
Gallstone pain often comes after eating fatty meals. When the gallbladder contracts to release bile, it can block the bile duct. This causes pain. Other factors like large or heavy meals can also trigger the pain.
The pain patterns can differ. Some people feel a constant dull ache, while others have sharp, intermittent pain. Knowing these patterns helps in diagnosing gallstones.
The length of gallstone pain varies. It can last from 30 minutes to several hours. Sometimes, the pain goes away on its own, but other times, it needs medical help.
Even if the pain goes away, it can come back. If it happens often, it might mean you need a more serious treatment, like removing the gallbladder.
Gallstones are not just painful; they also cause many digestive problems. These stones in the gallbladder can lead to various symptoms. This affects your quality of life.
Yes, gallstones can lead to constipation and bloating. When gallstones block the bile duct, less bile flows into the intestine. Bile helps digest fats and vitamins. Less bile flow can cause digestive issues like constipation and bloating.
A study in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology found that gallstones can cause bloating and constipation. This is due to the impact on bile flow and gut motility.
Common Digestive Symptoms:
Gallstones can change your bowel movements. You might have constipation or diarrhea. The blockage of the bile duct affects stool consistency and frequency.
| Symptom | Description |
| Constipation | Difficulty in passing stools or infrequent bowel movements |
| Diarrhea | Frequent or loose stools |
| Bloating | Feeling of fullness or swelling in the abdomen |
In some cases, you might see gallstones in your stool. This happens when a gallstone goes through the bile duct and into the intestine. It’s more likely if the stones are small and can pass through without blocking.
“The passage of gallstones in the stool is a rare but possible occurrence, often associated with small stones that can navigate through the bile duct without causing significant obstruction.”
It’s important to know about digestive symptoms from gallstones for early diagnosis and treatment. If you have ongoing or severe digestive problems, see a healthcare professional for help.
Gallstones can cause jaundice, itching, and changes in urine and stool color. These symptoms mean gallstones are blocking the bile duct. This leads to a buildup of bilirubin in the body.
Itching, or pruritus, is a less common but serious symptom of gallstone obstruction. It can be very severe and often comes with jaundice. The skin may turn yellow due to bilirubin buildup. It is very important to recognize these symptoms as they can mean a serious problem.
Medical experts say itching from gallstones is not just a minor issue. It can really affect a person’s life. In some cases, the itching is so bad it can disrupt daily activities and sleep.
Changes in urine and stool color can also be signs of gallstone obstruction. When the bile duct is blocked, bilirubin builds up in the blood. This makes urine darker. Stools may become pale or clay-colored because bilirubin can’t reach the intestines. These changes often come with jaundice.
These symptoms are warning signs that need immediate medical attention. If you or someone you know is showing these signs, it’s important to get medical help.
Jaundice is a serious symptom that should not be ignored. If you see yellowing of the skin or eyes, you need to see a doctor. Jaundice can mean a blocked bile duct, which can lead to serious problems if not treated quickly.
“Jaundice is a visible sign of a problem, like gallstone obstruction. It’s important to get checked out right away to find out what’s causing it and how to treat it.”
In summary, symptoms like jaundice, itching, dark urine, and pale stools are important signs of gallstone obstruction. Recognizing these symptoms and getting medical help quickly is key to avoiding serious problems.
Endoscopy is key in finding and treating gallstones, mainly through ERCP. This method is vital for dealing with gallstones that block bile and pancreatic ducts.
ERCP is a detailed endoscopy that lets doctors see the bile and pancreatic ducts. It helps diagnose and treat issues with these ducts, like gallstones. A flexible tube with a camera is inserted through the mouth, going through the stomach and into the small intestine to reach the ducts.
The Medical organization says ERCP is great for managing gallstones that block ducts.
Patients getting ERCP will go through a detailed prep, including sedation for comfort. The endoscopist will then put a contrast dye into the ducts to see any blockages or issues on an X-ray monitor.
If gallstones are found, they can often be removed during ERCP. This involves making a small cut in the duct to take out the stones.
ERCP for gallstone removal is minimally invasive, which means less need for surgery. It also lets doctors diagnose and treat in one go, which can shorten recovery time.
But, like any procedure, there are risks. These include pancreatitis, infection, bleeding, and reactions to the dye used in ERCP. It’s important to talk to a healthcare provider to fully understand these risks and benefits.
| Benefits | Risks |
| Minimally invasive | Pancreatitis |
| Diagnosis and treatment in one procedure | Infection |
| Potential for reduced recovery time | Bleeding |
| Reaction to contrast dye |
“ERCP has revolutionized the management of gallstones by providing a direct approach to diagnosing and treating ductal obstruction.”
— Expert in Gastroenterology
In conclusion, ERCP is a powerful tool for managing gallstones, with both diagnostic and therapeutic benefits. It’s important for patients and healthcare providers to understand the procedure, its benefits, and its risks.
Gallstones can cause serious problems in the digestive system. Even if they don’t show symptoms, they can lead to dangerous conditions if not treated.
Cholangitis is a serious infection of the bile duct. It happens when gallstones block the duct, letting bacteria grow. Symptoms include fever, jaundice, and severe abdominal pain. Prompt medical attention is vital to avoid worse problems.
“Cholangitis is a medical emergency needing quick treatment,” says a gastroenterology expert. “This usually includes antibiotics and procedures to remove the blockage.”
Pancreatitis is another serious issue linked to gallstones. It happens when gallstones block the pancreatic duct. Symptoms are severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Severe pancreatitis can be deadly and needs immediate medical help.
Gallbladder inflammation, or cholecystitis, can happen when gallstones block the cystic duct. Symptoms include severe pain in the upper right abdomen, fever, and jaundice. If not treated quickly, it can cause serious issues like gangrene and perforation of the gallbladder.
In conclusion, gallstones can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications. It’s important to understand these risks for timely medical care.
Gallstone pain can be very hard to deal with. Knowing about the different medicines available is important. These medicines help manage the pain caused by gallstones.
Ibuprofen is a common over-the-counter pain reliever. It can help with mild to moderate gallstone pain. But, always follow the dosage instructions and talk to a doctor, if you have stomach issues or take other medicines.
Remember, ibuprofen only helps with the pain, not the gallstones themselves. So, it’s important to see a doctor to figure out the best treatment.
During a gallbladder attack, the pain can be very bad. Doctors might give stronger pain medicines. It’s important to remember that some medicines can have side effects or interact with other drugs.
Also, watch for signs that mean you need to go to the hospital right away. These include very bad pain, fever, or yellow skin and eyes. These could mean serious problems like infection or blocked bile ducts.
If you have very bad stomach pain, fever, chills, or yellow skin and eyes, go to the emergency room. These signs can mean serious problems like cholangitis or pancreatitis that need quick help.
Knowing when to get help is key to avoiding serious problems. The table below shows symptoms that mean you should go to the emergency room.
| Symptom | Description | Action |
| Severe Abdominal Pain | Pain that is intense and unrelenting | Seek Emergency Care |
| Fever and Chills | Indicates possible infection | Seek Emergency Care |
| Jaundice | Yellowing of the skin and eyes | Seek Emergency Care |
In conclusion, using medicines to manage gallstone pain is a good option for many. But, it’s important to use them wisely and with a doctor’s advice. By knowing the right medicines and when to go to the emergency room, people can handle their symptoms better and live a better life.
The idea of passing gallstones is often misunderstood. It’s important to know the truth.
Gallstones can sometimes move on their own. But, it depends on their size and type. Small stones, under 5 mm, might pass through the bile ducts and into the intestine. From there, they can leave the body in the stool.
Factors Influencing Natural Passage:
You can’t feel gallstones with your fingers. They are inside the gallbladder, under the liver and rib cage. So, it’s not possible to touch them.
Some gallstones can pass on their own, but others need medical help. This is true for large stones, blockages, or if they cause serious problems like cholecystitis or pancreatitis.
Indications for Medical Intervention:
| Condition | Symptoms/Complications | Typical Treatment |
| Large Gallstones | Obstruction, pain, jaundice | ERCP or surgery |
| Cholecystitis | Severe pain, fever, nausea | Antibiotics, possible cholecystectomy |
| Pancreatitis | Severe abdominal pain, elevated pancreatic enzymes | Supportive care, possible ERCP |
It’s key to understand the facts and myths about gallstones. This helps manage the condition and know when to get medical help.
Managing gallstones involves more than just endoscopy. Other treatments are used based on the patient’s health, the type of gallstones, and other factors.
Medication can dissolve gallstones for some patients. This is usually for those with small, cholesterol-based stones and a working gallbladder. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is a common drug for this purpose.
How well this treatment works depends on the stone’s size and type. It can take months or years to work. Also, the stones might come back after stopping treatment.
Removing the gallbladder is a very effective treatment for gallstones. It’s often chosen for those with bad symptoms or when other treatments don’t work.
There are different ways to do this surgery, like laparoscopic surgery. This is less invasive and leads to faster recovery. The choice depends on the patient’s health and the surgeon’s advice.
| Surgical Method | Description | Recovery Time |
| Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy | Minimally invasive surgery with small incisions | 1-2 weeks |
| Open Cholecystectomy | Traditional open surgery with a larger incision | 4-6 weeks |
There are also non-surgical ways to treat gallstones. These include methods to remove or break down stones without removing the gallbladder.
One method is extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). It uses shock waves to break stones into smaller pieces. But, this treatment is not common and is used in specific cases.
It’s important for patients to talk to their doctor about these options. This helps find the best treatment for their situation.
Living with gallstones means making big lifestyle changes and sometimes getting medical help. Knowing what causes gallstones, their symptoms, and how to treat them helps prevent them. This way, people can take steps to avoid getting them.
To prevent gallstones, keeping a healthy weight is key. Eating more fruits, veggies, and whole grains is also helpful. Drinking plenty of water and eating less fatty and processed foods can also lower the risk.
If you have gallstones, managing symptoms and avoiding complications is important. This might mean taking medicine to dissolve stones or having surgery to remove the gallbladder. By living healthily and getting medical care when needed, you can handle gallstones well and stop them from coming back.
By focusing on preventing gallstones and living a healthy lifestyle, you can lower your risk of getting them. This improves your overall quality of life.
Gallstones are usually made of cholesterol or pigment. Cholesterol stones are yellowish and common. Pigment stones are darker and smaller, made of bilirubin.
Yes, gallstones can make you feel sick. They can cause nausea and vomiting. This discomfort often starts when you eat, like fatty meals.
Pain from gallstones is usually in the upper right abdomen. It can also spread to the right shoulder or back. The pain can be triggered by fatty meals and can last from a few minutes to several hours.
Yes, gallstones can cause digestive symptoms. These include constipation and bloating. This is because they block bile flow.
Ibuprofen can help with mild to moderate gallbladder pain. But, always talk to a healthcare provider before taking it. This is true if the pain is severe or doesn’t go away.
Yes, small gallstones can pass through the bile duct. They can then be eliminated in the stool. But, larger stones might need medical help to avoid problems.
It’s unlikely to feel gallstones with your fingers. They are usually small and inside the gallbladder. But, a healthcare provider might feel a swollen or inflamed gallbladder during an exam.
Complications of gallstones include cholangitis (infection of the bile duct). They also include pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) and gallbladder inflammation or infection.
Gallstone pain can last from a few minutes to several hours. It might go away on its own or need medical help.
Yes, gallstones can cause jaundice. This happens when they block the bile duct. It leads to yellow skin and eyes, dark urine, and pale stools.
Treatment for gallstones includes medication to dissolve stones. It also includes surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy). Non-surgical options like ERCP are also available for stone removal.
Yes, gallstones can cause itching. This is because of bile salts building up in the skin, a condition called cholestasis.
To prevent gallstones, keep a healthy weight and eat well. Stay hydrated and avoid rapid weight loss or certain medications. These can increase gallstone risk.
