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Get directionsGallstones do not always cause symptoms. When they do, pain often appears in the upper right belly after meals. An assessment helps you understand your options.
Your gallbladder is a small pouch under the liver that stores bile, a fluid that helps digest fat. Gallstones are hard pieces that can form inside it. Many people have gallstones and never know. Problems start when a stone blocks the flow of bile.
Often after rich or fatty meals, sometimes in the middle of the belly.
That keeps coming back.
Or to the right shoulder blade.
These symptoms can have many causes. An assessment is needed.
Book a consultation if you have had more than one episode of pain after meals, or if an ultrasound has shown gallstones and you have symptoms.
You have severe belly pain that lasts several hours, fever or chills, yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes, very dark urine or pale stools. Go to the nearest emergency department.
Gallstones that cause no symptoms often do not need surgery. When they do cause symptoms, the usual treatment is to remove the gallbladder, most often with keyhole surgery. People can live normally without a gallbladder: bile flows straight from the liver into the gut.
Called a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Small cuts, and for many patients a short hospital stay.
For stones found by chance that cause no symptoms. You will be told which signs mean you should come back.
Dr. Vaccianna answers patient questions every week on Instagram.
Follow @drandrevaccianna →Often not. Many people with gallstones found by chance never need treatment. Dr. Vaccianna will look at your scan and history and explain whether watching is safe for you.
Yes. Most people notice no difference in daily life. A few find very fatty meals harder to digest at first, which usually improves with time.
There is no strict diet. Start with lighter meals for the first few days and add foods back gradually.
Medicines that dissolve gallstones are rarely used. They work slowly, suit only some stones, and stones often return when treatment stops.
Many patients go home the same day or the next morning after keyhole gallbladder removal. It depends on your health and how you recover.
A proper assessment shows the best next step. The team will offer you the earliest suitable time.
Book an appointmentCall (876) 448-5994
Book a consultation with Dr. Vaccianna. We will assess your symptoms properly and explain your options in plain language.
