What to Know About Gallstones

Gallstones are small or large stones that form in the gallbladder that can sometimes travel outside the gallbladder. They vary in size and can be as small as a grain of sand or as big as a golf ball. Often times, gallstones are small enough to be passed without symptoms, but it is important to know the causes and signs before potentially serious issues arise.

How do gallstones form?
There are many different factors that cause gallstones to form. Much of it is hereditary. If you have a family member who has experienced gallstones, you may be at risk of developing them as well. Other causes of gallstones have to do with the makeup of different factors in your blood and bile, such as cholesterol.

While most factors tend to be genetic, following a healthy, low-fat diet that is high in fiber can help lower your risk.

How do I know if I have gallstones?
Most gallstones don’t cause symptoms right away. It is possible to have them without any pain or discomfort. On the other hand, if gallstones enlarge or block bile ducts, symptoms like intense pain can occur. With gallstones, pain is usually centered in the upper part of the abdomen, typically under the right rib cage or just below the breast bone. Sometimes this pain travels to the back or the shoulder blade.

If you begin experiencing any new symptoms or pain, always see your primary care physician to have it checked out. 

Is there a chance gallstones will go away without treatment?
If your gallstones don’t cause any symptoms, you often don’t need treatment. However, if they start causing pain or other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting or indigestion after eating, it tends to be a recurring problem. In most of these cases, surgery is recommended to remove the gallbladder. Fortunately, the gallbladder isn’t essential, so you can live normally without it — and without any ongoing gallstone issues.

Jennifer Etling, MD, is a board-certified general surgeon with Benrus Surgical. She has offices at Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital and Progress West Hospital. You can schedule an appointment with Dr. Etling by calling 636.928.WELL.