Gallstones: When Surgery Is Necessary

Biliary colic: severe right upper quadrant pain after fatty meals, lasting 1-6 hours, often radiating to the right shoulder.

Complications

• Acute cholecystitis
• Choledocholithiasis with jaundice
• Cholangitis
• Acute biliary pancreatitis

Treatment

Symptomatic gallstones are managed with laparoscopic cholecystectomy, usually outpatient. Asymptomatic stones generally need no intervention.

Prevention

Slow weight loss, regular meals, physical activity, and a fibre-rich diet reduce risk.

After cholecystectomy, most people digest normally — the gallbladder concentrates bile but is not essential.