Gallstones form when substances in bile — mainly cholesterol and bilirubin — harden into stone-like deposits inside the gallbladder. Many people carry gallstones for years without symptoms, but for others, the stones trigger sudden, severe pain that sends them straight to the emergency room.
Common Early Symptoms
- Sharp pain in the upper right abdomen, often after a fatty meal
- Pain that spreads to the right shoulder blade or back
- Bloating, gas and indigestion
- Nausea or vomiting during an attack
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes in advanced cases
- Clay-coloured stools or dark urine
- Fever with abdominal pain, which may indicate infection
Why Early Evaluation Matters
Ignoring recurring gallbladder pain can lead to complications such as an inflamed or infected gallbladder, blocked bile ducts, or pancreatitis. An ultrasound is usually enough to confirm the diagnosis, and in most cases, laparoscopic removal of the gallbladder resolves the problem permanently with a short hospital stay.
When to See a Surgeon
If you experience recurring upper-abdominal pain after meals, don't wait for a severe attack. A timely consultation can help you avoid an emergency admission and plan a straightforward, minimally invasive laparoscopic gallbladder surgery on your own schedule.
Have questions about this topic?
Book a consultation with Dr. Vinod Kumar Singh at Aadhya9 Hospital, New Patel Nagar.
