Gallbladder Stones: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Gallstones are solid particles that form in the gallbladder. Learn about Symptoms and treatment for this sometimes painful digestive disorder.

Gallbladder Stones: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

  • Category

    General

  • Published By

    GetWellGo Team

  • Updated on

    31-Mar-2025

Gallbladder Stones Causes​/ Cholelithiasis Causes

Gallbladder stones or gallstones are concretions of the gallbladder formed in the bile secreted by the liver. It is not always possible to point out the exact gallbladder stones cause or gallstones cause behind them; however, the following factors will contribute to the formation:

  • Excess Cholesterol in Bile
  • Excess Bilirubin in Bile
  • Poor Gallbladder Emptying
  • High Estrogen Levels
  • Obesity & Rapid Weight Loss
  • Diet & Lifestyle Factors
  • Genetic Factors
  • Certain Medical Conditions

Gallbladder Stones Symptoms​/ Cholelithiasis Symptoms

However, gallstones may be asymptomatic at times. However, gallstones obstructing the duct result to gallbladder attacks or biliary colic lead to gallstones symptoms:

  • Pain
  • Digestive Issues
  • Jaundice
  • Dark Urine & Pale Stools
  • Fever & Chills

Gallbladder Stones Treatment​/Cholelithiasis Treatment

Gallstones Treatment depends on the manifestation of symptoms. However, if the gallstones are asymptomatic, then one does not need medical intervention. However, if they pain or complicate the issue, the following possibilities are regarded:

Medications & Non-Surgical Treatments (For Small, Non-Symptomatic Stones)

Oral Bile Acid Pills (Ursodeoxycholic Acid - Ursodiol, Chenodiol)

  • Dissolves cholesterol gallstones gradually in duration of months or years
  • Works best for small, non-calcified stones.
  • Not effective for pigment stones or large stones.

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)

  • It is a procedure that is used to fragment gallstones within the body using sound waves.

  • It is indicated in certain conditions where the use of surgery is not possible.

  • It is often used in conjunction with, as another name for or has been confused with the bile acid pills.

Surgery (Definitive Treatment for Symptomatic Gallstones)

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (Minimally Invasive Gallbladder Removal)

  • Most common and preferred treatment.
  • Small incisions, faster recovery (1–2 weeks).
  • Performed under general anaesthesia.

Open Cholecystectomy (Traditional Surgery)

  • Employed when the gallbladder is acutely inflamed or contain infection for instance in a case of cholecystitis.
  • It involves making a larger incision and stiffer recovery period, to be exact; it may take about 4-6 weeks.

Gallbladder Pain Causes

A gallbladder pain (biliary colic) is a type of abdominal pain resulting from disruptions to the gallbladder function, gallstones, or inflammation. The most common causes include:

  • Gallstones
  • Gallbladder Inflammation
  • Gallbladder Infection
  • Bile Duct Blockage
  • Gallbladder Dysfunction
  • Gallbladder Polyps or Tumors

Gallbladder Pain Symptoms​

Gallbladder pain (biliary colic) can be mild or severe and may have other signs based on the cause.

  • Nausea & Vomiting
  • Bloating & Gas
  • Indigestion
  • Jaundice
  • Dark Urine
  • Pale or Clay-Colored Stools
  • Fever & Chills
  • Gallbladder Pain Treatment​

Treatment for gallbladder pain varies with the cause, severity, and frequency of symptoms. The following are the options that are available:

Home Remedies & Lifestyle Adjustments (For Mild or Periodic Pain)

Dietary Adjustments:

  • Avoid fatty, fried, and processed foods.
  • Consume a high-fiber diet comprising fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
  • Drink plenty of water and avoid excessive fasting.

Pain Relief:

  • Apply a warm compress to the abdomen to relieve pain.
  • Drink lemon juice in warm water to enhance digestion.
  • Avoid heavy dinners at night.

Maintain Healthy Weight:

  • Avoid sudden weight loss, which will induce gallstone formation.

Medications (For Mild to Moderate Cases)

Pain Relievers:

  • Ibuprofen or acetaminophen, over-the-counter pain medications.

Gallstone Dissolving Medications:

  • Ursodeoxycholic acid (Ursodiol, Actigall) – Dissolves small cholesterol gallstones in months or years.
  • Effective only for non-calcified stones and does not stop new stone development.

Gallstone Removal Surgery​

Gallstone surgery is referred to as cholecystectomy, where the gallbladder is removed to avoid future gallstone-related problems. It is the most optimal treatment for recurrent gallbladder pain, inflammation, or complications.

Types of Gallstone Removal Surgery

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (Minimally Invasive Surgery)

  • The most common and preferred method
  • Small incisions (keyhole surgery) in the abdomen
  • A very small camera (laparoscope) guides the procedure
  • Faster recovery – Most are able to go home the same day or within 24 hours
  • Recovery time: 1-2 weeks

Open Cholecystectomy (Old-Fashioned Surgery)

  • Reserved if the gallbladder is highly inflamed, infected, or complicated
  • Needs a bigger incision below the ribcage
  • Longer hospital stay (2-5 days)
  • Recovery time: 4-6 weeks

Gallbladder Surgery Recovery​

Recovery time from gallbladder removal surgery varies with the procedure. Most individuals recover in a few weeks, but some dietary and lifestyle modifications may be required.

Recovery Timeline

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (Minimally Invasive Surgery)

  • Hospital Stay: Typically same-day discharge or 24 hours
  • Return to Light Activities: Within 2-3 days
  • Return to Work: 1-2 weeks (for non-physical work)
  • Full Recovery: 2-4 weeks

Open Cholecystectomy (Traditional Surgery)

  • Hospital Stay: 2-5 days
  • Return to Light Activities: 2-3 weeks
  • Return to Work: 4-6 weeks
  • Full Recovery: 6-8 weeks

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