Overview
Gallstones are hardened deposits that form in the gallbladder — the small organ under the liver that stores bile. They're very common, often silent, but when a stone blocks the flow of bile, it causes sharp pain (biliary colic) — typically in the upper right abdomen, often after fatty meals. Untreated blockages can lead to gallbladder inflammation, infection, jaundice, or pancreatitis.
Common symptoms
- Sudden, sharp pain in the upper right abdomen
- Pain that worsens after fatty or heavy meals
- Pain radiating to the back or right shoulder blade
- Nausea and vomiting
- Bloating and indigestion
- Fever or jaundice (signs of complication — see promptly)
When to see a doctor
See us if you have recurring abdominal pain after meals, jaundice with abdominal pain, fever with belly pain, or persistent vomiting. Stones blocking the bile duct — signalled by jaundice, fever, or pancreatitis — need urgent evaluation.
How we help
We diagnose gallstones with ultrasound and assess for complications (bile duct stones, pancreatitis, infection) with blood tests and MRCP where needed. Most patients with symptomatic gallstones benefit from elective gallbladder removal — we coordinate the surgical referral. When stones are stuck in the bile duct, ERCP can clear them in the same admission. Asymptomatic gallstones often don't need treatment, but we discuss the situation individually.
This is general information, not a substitute for medical advice. For guidance specific to your case, please consult Dr. Ch. Saikumar or another qualified specialist.