Abdominal & gallbladder
Gallstones
Right upper abdominal pain after meals may be related to the gallbladder.
Seek urgent assessment if
- Fever occurs with abdominal pain
- The skin or eyes become yellow
- Severe pain does not settle
- Vomiting is persistent
Gallstones form inside the gallbladder. Some do not cause symptoms, but symptomatic stones can lead to episodes of pain, gallbladder inflammation, jaundice or pancreatitis.
When should you be assessed?
- Severe pain in the right upper abdomen
- Pain after fatty or oily food
- Pain radiating to the back or right shoulder
- Nausea or vomiting
- Recurrent attacks of pain
How is it assessed?
- Medical examination
- Abdominal ultrasound
- Blood tests
- MRCP, CT scan or other tests if complications are suspected
Treatment Options
If gallstones cause symptoms or complications, the usual treatment is removal of the gallbladder, most commonly by laparoscopic surgery. Not every gallstone without symptoms requires surgery.
