Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid that can form in your gallbladder. They can range in size from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball. Some people develop just one gallstone, while others develop many gallstones at the same time.
People who experience symptoms from their gallstones usually require gallbladder removal surgery. Gallstones that don’t cause any signs or symptoms typically don’t need treatment.
Gallstones may cause no signs or symptoms. If a gallstone lodges in a duct and causes a blockage, the resulting signs and symptoms may include:
- Sudden and rapidly intensifying pain in the upper right portion of the abdomen
- Sudden and rapidly intensifying pain in the center of the abdomen, just below the breastbone
- Back pain between your shoulder blades
- Pain in your right shoulder
- Nausea or vomiting
Gallstone pain may last several minutes to a few hours.
It isn’t clear what causes gallstones to form. Doctors think gallstones may occur when:
- Your bile contains too much cholesterol
- Your bile contains too much bilirubin
- Your gallbladder doesn’t empty correctly
The types of gallstones that can form in the gallbladder include:
- Cholesterol gallstones
- Pigment gallstones
Factors that may increase your risk of gallstones include:
- Being female
- Being 40 years old or older
- Being Native American
- Being Hispanic of Mexican origin
- Being overweight or obese
- Being sedentary
- Being pregnant
- Eating a high-fat diet
- Eating a high-cholesterol diet
- Eating a low-fiber diet
- Having a family history of gallstones
- Having diabetes
- Having certain blood disorders such as sickle cell anemia or leukemia
- Losing weight very quickly
- Taking medications that contain estrogen such as oral contraceptives or hormone therapy drugs
- Having liver disease
There are several complications of gallstones, including:
- Inflammation of the gallbladder
- Blockage of the common bile duct
- Blockage of the pancreatic duct
- Gallbladder cancer
You can reduce your risk of gallstones by:
- Not skipping meals
- Losing weight slowly
- Eating more high-fiber foods
- Maintaining a healthy weight
There are several tests and procedures used to diagnose gallstones and complications of gallstones, including:
- Abdominal ultrasound
- Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)
- Other imaging tests
- Blood tests
A healthcare provider will determine if treatment for gallstones is indicated based on your symptoms and the results of diagnostic testing. Treatment options for gallstones include:
- Gallbladder surgery (cholecystectomy)
- Medications to dissolve gallstones
Flushing Hospital Medical Center offers multiple options for gallbladder removal surgery, this includes robotic surgery. To schedule an appointment with a specialist, please call (718) 670-5000.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.