What Are Gallbladder Stones?
Sudden pain in the upper right side of the abdomen
Pain spreading to the back or right shoulder
Nausea or vomiting
Fever (in complicated cases)
Yellowing of eyes or skin (jaundice)
Common Symptoms of Gallbladder Stones
Sudden pain in the upper right side of the abdomen
Pain spreading to the back or right shoulder
Nausea or vomiting
Fever (in complicated cases)
Yellowing of eyes or skin (jaundice)
Complications of Gallbladder Stones
If gallstones are not treated on time, they may cause the following problems:
1 Acute Cholecystitis (Gallbladder Infection)
This occurs when a stone blocks bile flow, causing infection and swelling of the gallbladder.
Symptoms:
Severe and continuous abdominal pain
Fever and tenderness
Why it matters: Untreated infection may lead to gallbladder rupture.
2 Choledocholithiasis (Stone in the Bile Duct)
Sometimes gallstones move into the bile duct and block it.
Symptoms:
Jaundice (yellow eyes and skin)
Dark urine and pale stools
Fever and chills
Risk: Can lead to serious infection and liver problems.
3 Gallstone Pancreatitis
A gallstone can block the pancreatic duct, causing inflammation of the pancreas.
Symptoms:
Sudden severe abdominal pain
Vomiting
Hospital admission required
4 Severe Infection or Gangrene of the Gallbladder
Long-standing infection can cause tissue damage or pus formation.
Why it matters: This is a medical emergency and increases surgical risk.
Why Gallbladder Surgery Can Be Difficult
Gallbladder removal surgeryis usually safe, but complications can make it challenging.
Common Reasons for Difficult Surgery
Repeated gallbladder infection attacks causing scarring
Thickened or shrunken gallbladder
Swelling hiding important bile ducts
Severe infection requiring emergency surgery
Who Is at Higher Risk?
Patients with long-term gallstones
Elderly patients
People with diabetes
Obese individuals
Patients delaying surgery after repeated pain
How to Prevent Complications
Early ultrasound diagnosis
Do not ignore repeated abdominal pain
Plan surgery before complications occur
Follow doctor’s advice and follow-up
Key Message for Patients
Gallbladder stones may seem harmless, but delaying treatment can cause serious complications and difficult surgery. Early consultation and timely treatment lead to safer outcomes and faster recovery.
Doctor’s Note
Early elective gallbladder removal significantly reduces operative difficulty and complication rates. Patient education plays a key role in improving outcomes.
Call to Action
If you have recurrent abdominal pain or have been diagnosed with gallstones, consult a qualified surgeon early for safe and effective treatment.
Crisp and precise explanation