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You finish a meal and notice a dull ache under your right ribs. At first, you assume it is gas or something you ate.
Then the same pain returns after another heavy meal. Eventually, an ultrasound reveals gallstones, and you are left wondering: “Do I actually need treatment if the stones are still there?”
That is a common question.
Gallstones do not always cause symptoms and do not automatically require surgery. But when they repeatedly cause pain or complications, getting a proper specialist opinion becomes important.
Gallstones are hard deposits that develop inside the gallbladder. They can vary in size and number, and some people have them without ever knowing they exist.
Problems usually begin when a stone blocks the normal flow of bile.
A gallbladder stone specialist may evaluate:
Gallstones
Recurrent biliary pain
Gallbladder inflammation
Acute or chronic cholecystitis
Stones blocking the bile duct
Gallstone-related infections
Gallstone-related pancreatitis
Gallbladder polyps or suspicious findings
Laparoscopic gallbladder removal
For patients considering consultation with Dr. Abhishek Aggarwal, the key question is whether your gallstones are actually causing symptoms or complications and what treatment is appropriate.
Gallstone pain is often felt in the upper right or upper middle abdomen.
It can occur after eating, particularly after a heavy or fatty meal, and may sometimes spread toward the back or right shoulder.
You may also experience:
Nausea
Vomiting
Bloating
Repeated abdominal discomfort
Pain lasting for a significant period
Fever or chills
Yellowing of the eyes or skin
However, not every episode of abdominal pain is caused by gallstones.
Acidity, ulcers, liver problems and other digestive conditions can produce similar symptoms.
That is why an ultrasound finding should be interpreted alongside your symptoms and examination.
Usually, not automatically.
Many people have gallstones that never cause symptoms. If they are discovered incidentally during an ultrasound performed for another reason, your doctor may recommend observation rather than immediate surgery.
Repeated gallstone attacks are different.
If stones are causing recurring pain or complications, your doctor may recommend removing the gallbladder.
The decision should be based on your individual situation rather than simply the fact that stones are present.
Surgery may be considered when gallstones cause repeated symptoms, acute or chronic inflammation, infection, obstruction or other complications.
The usual operation is called a cholecystectomy, which means removing the gallbladder.
The objective is to prevent repeated gallstone-related attacks and complications.
The liver continues producing bile after the gallbladder is removed. Instead of being stored in the gallbladder, bile flows directly into the digestive system.
Your surgeon can explain what this means for your recovery and eating habits.
Imagine a patient who has experienced four episodes of upper abdominal pain over six months.
Each time, the pain settles after a few hours, so they simply take medication and continue their routine. An ultrasound eventually shows multiple gallstones.
Because the symptoms are recurring and consistent with gallstone attacks, the patient discusses gallbladder removal rather than continuing to treat every episode separately.
The lesson is important: when the same problem keeps returning, temporary relief may not be a complete solution.
Gallstones are extremely common.
According to the 2024 edition of the Merck Manual, gallstones affect roughly 10–15% of adults in developed countries, although many people with gallstones remain symptom-free.
This is why simply finding gallstones on a scan does not automatically mean you need surgery.
The symptoms and complications matter.
You may hear two opposite pieces of advice:
“Every gallstone needs surgery.”
Or:
“If the pain goes away, forget about it.”
Neither is a good rule for everyone.
Silent gallstones may require no immediate treatment, while recurrent painful attacks deserve proper evaluation.
The better approach is:
Don't operate simply because stones exist. Don't ignore them when they repeatedly cause problems.
The outcome varies from person to person.
Some people may have occasional attacks for years. Others can develop inflammation, infection, bile duct blockage or pancreatitis.
A stone that moves into the common bile duct can cause jaundice and may require additional treatment.
That is why recurring symptoms should be discussed with a qualified specialist.
Severe or persistent upper abdominal pain with fever, repeated vomiting or yellowing of the skin or eyes should receive prompt medical attention.
These symptoms may indicate inflammation, infection or bile duct obstruction.
Do not simply take painkillers and wait if your symptoms are severe or getting worse.
Your doctor will consider your symptoms alongside your ultrasound or other imaging.
They may also review blood tests, liver function tests and other reports if complications are suspected.
Take:
Ultrasound reports
CT or MRI reports, if available
Blood-test results
Liver function tests
Previous hospital records
Your current medication list
Details of previous gallstone attacks
This gives the specialist a clearer picture of your condition.
Before deciding on treatment, ask:
Are my symptoms actually caused by gallstones?
Do I need surgery now?
What happens if I wait?
Is laparoscopic surgery suitable for me?
Are there complications already?
How long will recovery take?
What should I eat after surgery?
You should understand why a procedure is being recommended before agreeing to it.
A scan may tell you that stones are present.
It does not always tell you whether those stones explain every symptom you have.
This is why a good consultation looks at the complete picture rather than treating the scan report as the diagnosis by itself.
No. Gallstones that cause no symptoms may not require immediate treatment. Surgery is generally considered when stones cause symptoms or complications.
In selected situations, stones in the bile duct may be removed using procedures such as ERCP. However, treatment depends on where the stones are and the individual clinical situation.
Laparoscopic gallbladder removal is a commonly performed operation, but it is still surgery and carries potential risks. Your surgeon can explain the expected benefits, risks and recovery for your case.
If you have repeated pain after meals, have been diagnosed with gallstones or have already experienced multiple gallbladder attacks, don't keep guessing whether the next episode will be worse.
Get your reports reviewed and understand whether observation or treatment makes sense for you.
If you have gallstones or recurring gallbladder symptoms, schedule a consultation with Dr. Abhishek Aggarwal to discuss your reports, symptoms and appropriate treatment options.
