Gallstones

Book a consultation with one of our doctors if:

You're experiencing unexplained abdominal pain, especially in the upper right side of your abdomen.
You have frequent episodes of indigestion or discomfort after eating fatty meals.
You suspect you might have gallstones but the pain isn't severe.
You have sudden and severe abdominal pain that lasts more than a few hours.
You experience nausea and vomiting along with the pain.
You have a fever and chills.
Your skin or the whites of your eyes turn yellow (jaundice).
The pain is so intense you can't find a comfortable position.

Information

Book a consultation with one of our doctors if:

You're experiencing unexplained abdominal pain, especially in the upper right side of your abdomen.
You have frequent episodes of indigestion or discomfort after eating fatty meals.
You suspect you might have gallstones but the pain isn't severe.
You have sudden and severe abdominal pain that lasts more than a few hours.
You experience nausea and vomiting along with the pain.
You have a fever and chills.
Your skin or the whites of your eyes turn yellow (jaundice).
The pain is so intense you can't find a comfortable position.

Do’s:

See a doctor if you experience pain: Especially if the pain is in the upper right abdomen and comes on suddenly after eating a fatty meal.
Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese increases your risk of gallstones. Aim for gradual weight loss through diet and exercise.
Eat a balanced diet: Focus on high-fibre foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Include healthy fats like those found in fish and olive oil.
Eat regularly: Skipping meals or long periods without eating can increase your risk. Aim for regular meals and consider smaller, more frequent portions throughout the day.
Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps your body flush out cholesterol and toxins, potentially reducing gallstone risk.

Don'ts:

Ignore abdominal pain: If you experience unexplained pain, especially after eating, consult a doctor to rule out gallstones or other issues.
Delay seeking medical attention: If you suspect gallstones, getting a diagnosis and discussing treatment options is crucial to manage your health and prevent complications.
Eat fatty or fried foods: These can trigger gallbladder contractions and potentially cause pain.
Consume excessive refined carbohydrates and sugar: These can contribute to gallstone formation.
Lose weight rapidly: Crash diets can increase your risk of gallstones.

Possible Questions:

Can you describe the pain you're experiencing in your abdomen? (location, intensity, duration)
Have you noticed any nausea or vomiting along with the pain?
Do you have any fever or chills?
Have you experienced any changes in your bowel movements (diarrhoea, constipation)?
Have you noticed any yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes (jaundice)?
Have you recently made any significant changes to your diet? (increased fat intake, rapid weight loss)
Do you have a history of high cholesterol?
Do you have any pre-existing medical conditions (diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease)?
Are you taking any medications regularly?
Have you ever been diagnosed with gallstones before?
Has anyone in your family had gallstones?
Have you ever had any abdominal surgeries?
Are you pregnant (pregnancy can increase gallstone risk)?
Do the symptoms seem to occur after eating certain foods? (particularly fatty meals)
How long have you been experiencing these symptoms?
What have you tried so far to manage the pain? (over-the-counter medications, home remedies)

1.Symptoms

What are the symptoms of gallstones?

Gallstones can sometimes cause no symptoms at all. However, common symptoms include:
Sudden and severe pain in the upper right abdomen or between the shoulder blades
Pain that worsens after eating fatty foods
Nausea and vomiting
Indigestion
Bloating
Feeling full after eating a small amount
Visit our Symptoms and Causes page for more information.

Should I see a doctor if I experience these symptoms?

Yes, it's important to see a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms, especially if the pain is severe or persistent. Gallstones can lead to complications if left untreated.

Visit our Symptoms and Causes page for more information.

2.Diagnosis

How are gallstones diagnosed?

LIPS doctors may use a variety of methods to diagnose gallstones, including:
- Medical history and physical exam
- Ultrasound
- Abdominal CT scan
- HIDA scan (hepatobiliary scintigraphy)
- Visit our Diagnosis & Treatment page for more information.

What happens during a consultation for gallstones at LIPS?

During your consultation, a LIPS doctor will discuss your symptoms, medical history, and any medications you are taking. They will also perform a physical exam. Based on this information, the doctor will recommend the most appropriate diagnostic tests. Visit our Diagnosis & Treatment page for more information.

3.Treatment

What are the treatment options for gallstones?

The most common treatment for gallstones is surgery to remove the gallbladder (cholecystectomy). This can be done laparoscopically (minimally invasive) or with an open incision.
In some cases, medications or other procedures may be used to dissolve or break up gallstones. Visit our Diagnosis & Treatment page for more information.

Will my insurance cover this?

The most common treatment for gallstones is surgery to remove the gallbladder (cholecystectomy). This can be done laparoscopically (minimally invasive) or with an open incision.
In some cases, medications or other procedures may be used to dissolve or break up gallstones. Visit our Diagnosis & Treatment page for more information.

What can I expect after gallbladder surgery at LIPS?

Most patients recover well from laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Your surgeon will provide detailed post-operative instructions, and our team will ensure you have the resources and support needed for a smooth recovery. Visit our Diagnosis & Treatment page for more information.

4.Insurance

At LIPS we work with a wide range of insurance providers

Will my insurance cover gallstone treatment?

Coverage for gallstone treatment can vary depending on your individual insurance plan. We recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to determine your specific coverage. Our team at LIPS can also assist you with obtaining pre-authorisation from your insurance company if needed.

How does LIPS work with the National Health Service?

Our goal is to give you answers as quickly as possible and get you on the right treatment path fast – no strings attached. When you come to us, you will be seen by a qualified specialist who can determine if your situation is serious or not that same day. We don’t want you to wait weeks on end for an appointment because every minute counts when it comes to something as important as your health. If your situation is serious, our specialist will write to your doctor on the NHS advising them that you need an urgent appointment.