Stones in the gallbladder may cause right upper abdominal pain, nausea and bile duct blockage.
When to seek emergency care
If any of the following signs occur, call *3003 immediately — do not wait for a routine appointment:
- Severe right upper abdominal pain with fever
- Jaundice
- Persistent vomiting
- Dark urine and pale stool
- Confusion with chills
What is it?
When a stone blocks the gallbladder outlet or the common bile duct, it can cause severe pain, jaundice, pancreatitis and infection.
Symptoms
- Right upper abdominal pain
- Pain after fatty food
- Nausea
- Pain spreading to the back
- Bloating
- Sometimes no symptoms
Causes & risk factors
- Female sex
- Age
- Excess weight
- Rapid weight loss
- Pregnancy
- Family history
Diagnosis
Diagnosis should not rely on one test alone. Symptoms, risk factors, physical examination and investigation results are interpreted together.
- Abdominal ultrasound
- Blood tests
- MRCP in selected cases
- ERCP assessment
- Pancreatitis markers
Treatment approaches
Treatment is individualized according to disease severity, the patient’s overall condition, comorbidities and procedural risk.
- Pain control
- Gallbladder removal in symptomatic cases
- ERCP for common bile duct stones
- Biliary drainage in selected severe cases
- Dietary guidance
How we help
Gallstone disease is evaluated from gastroenterology and surgery perspectives. With jaundice or bile duct blockage, endoscopic and interventional options are considered.
When a procedure may be needed
A procedure may be needed for bile duct blockage, cholangitis, pancreatitis or drainage before surgery.
Patient checklist
- Note whether the pain is related to meals
- Do not delay seeking care for fever or jaundice
- Bring your ultrasound and blood test results
- Do not start antibiotics on your own
FAQ
Is surgery always necessary when gallstones are present?
Asymptomatic stones are sometimes monitored. Surgical treatment is discussed when symptoms or complications are present.
Can a gallstone cause pancreatitis?
Yes. A stone that enters the common bile duct can cause inflammation of the pancreas.
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