Gallstones

Hard lumps that form in the gallbladder, a small pouch under the liver that stores bile. Common, especially in women and people over 40. Most cause no symptoms and are found by chance. When a stone blocks the gallbladder outlet, it causes biliary colic: a steady, severe pain in the upper right or middle of the tummy, often after a fatty meal, lasting 30 minutes to several hours.

Treatment options

Ratings show how strong the research is.

• Strong evidenceKeyhole surgery to remove the gallbladderThe usual treatment once gallstones cause pain or complications, as attacks tend to return. Many people go home the same day and return to work in 2 to 4 weeks. You can live normally without a gallbladder.
• Strong evidenceAnti-inflammatory pain relief for attacksAnti-inflammatories (by mouth, injection or suppository) work as well as stronger painkillers for biliary colic. Ask your doctor what’s safe for you.
• Moderate evidenceNo treatment for "silent" stonesGallstones found by chance usually don’t need treatment. Only about 1 to 2 in 10 cause symptoms over 10 to 15 years.
• Limited evidenceLower-fat mealsMay reduce attacks while you wait for surgery, but won’t remove stones.
• Limited evidenceStone-dissolving tabletsUrsodeoxycholic acid can slowly dissolve small stones in some people who can’t have surgery. Stones often return.
• Not recommendedSurgery for stones without symptomsUsually not needed, unless there is a special reason. Discuss with your doctor.

What you can do

• Aim for a healthy weight, but lose weight gradually: rapid weight loss, including on some weight-loss medicines, raises the risk.
• Eat regular meals rather than long fasts, with plenty of fibre, fruit and vegetables.
• Stay active.
• After gallbladder removal, looser bowel motions are common, especially after fatty meals, and usually settle over a few months.

See your GP if

• You have had an episode of upper tummy pain after eating
• Attacks are happening more often
• Pain with indigestion, bloating or nausea that doesn’t settle

Go to the emergency department for tummy pain lasting more than a few hours or not eased by pain relief, fever or shivers, yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools, or ongoing vomiting.

Evidence and more information

• Healthdirect: Gallstones
• Healthdirect: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy
• NICE: Treating gallstones in the gallbladder

Reviewed October 2026. General education, not personal medical advice. Treatment depends on your situation, so talk to your GP or pharmacist.

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