Gallbladder stones: what difference do symptoms make?

Abdominal pain with fever, yellow skin or eyes, or new persistent pain preventing usual activities needs medical advice the same day. Sudden, very intense, stabbing pain is a reason to call 15 or 112 in France. Do not wait for a prevention appointment.

The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile produced by the liver. Stones are deposits formed from that bile. A stone may remain in the gallbladder or move into a bile duct; its location matters for understanding pain and possible complications.

Gallbladder stones found incidentally, without discomfort or pain, do not automatically lead to treatment. Ask the doctor to explain the report, including where the stones are. This differs from a stone in the main bile duct or a particular biliary disorder.

Biliary colic can cause sudden pain in the upper middle abdomen or under the right ribs, sometimes spreading to the shoulder or back, with nausea. Describe how the attack unfolded to the doctor. Medical consultation is still needed after an attack, even when the pain has stopped.

After the history and examination, abdominal ultrasound helps confirm stones and assess the gallbladder and bile ducts. Blood tests may look for their effects. Ask whether the assessment concerns gallbladder stones or a complication; an isolated result cannot determine treatment on your own.

After biliary colic, pain can recur and complications are possible. The doctor may refer you to a digestive surgeon to discuss gallbladder removal. Symptoms and the medical context matter; stone size or number alone cannot guide your own decision about an operation.