Gallstones

Gallstones are solid pieces that form inside the gallbladder, a small pouch beneath the liver that stores bile used to digest fats. They form when the balance of substances in bile changes, allowing cholesterol or other materials to harden into stones. Gallstones can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a pebble, and there may be one or many.

Gallstones are common, particularly in adults, and many people never know they have them. They become more frequent with increasing age and tend to affect women more often than men. People who are overweight, who have lost weight rapidly, or who have a family history of gallstones may be more likely to develop them.

Many gallstones cause no symptoms at all. When they do, the typical sign is sudden, severe pain in the upper right or central abdomen, sometimes spreading to the back or shoulder. This pain can last from minutes to hours and may follow a fatty meal. Nausea, vomiting, and feeling generally unwell can accompany an episode.

Gallstones form when bile contains too much cholesterol or other substances, or when the gallbladder does not empty properly. Risk factors include being overweight, rapid weight loss, increasing age, being female, pregnancy, and a family history of the condition. Certain diets and some medical conditions can also raise the chance of developing gallstones.

Gallstones are often found using an ultrasound scan, which uses sound waves to create images of the gallbladder and is a common and reliable first test. If more detail is needed, doctors may use other scans or blood tests to check liver function and look for blockages or inflammation. Sometimes gallstones are discovered by chance during tests for other reasons.

Gallstones that cause no symptoms often need no treatment and are simply monitored. When stones cause pain or complications, the usual approach is keyhole surgery to remove the gallbladder, which most people manage well without it. In some situations, procedures may be used to remove stones blocking the bile ducts. Your care team will recommend the most suitable option.

There is no guaranteed way to prevent gallstones, but healthy habits can lower the risk. Maintaining a steady, healthy weight and avoiding very rapid weight loss are helpful, as crash dieting can encourage stone formation. A balanced diet with plenty of fibre and regular physical activity supports overall digestive and metabolic health.