Skip to main content Skip to footer content

Gallbladder

Overview Gallbladder Hernia Thyroid

The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ on the right side of the abdomen, beneath the liver. This organ holds a digestive fluid called bile that’s released into the small intestine. This fluid can sometimes harden to form stone-like deposits called gallstones.

The cause of gallstones is often unknown, but can be attributed to an excess of cholesterol or bilirubin in the bile. Gallstones range in size and severity; some people who have gallstones have no symptoms, are unbothered by symptoms, and require no treatment. Other patients experience severe pain and require surgery to remove the gallbladder.

Risk Factors

  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • High-fat, low-fiber diet
  • Pregnancy
  • Female gender
  • Over 40 years of age
  • Native American or Mexican American heritage
  • Overweight or obese
  • Family history of gallstones
  • Medications that contain estrogen, such as oral contraceptives
  • Diabetes or liver disease

Gallstones don’t always cause symptoms; however, if a gallstone becomes lodged in a duct and causes a blockage, patients may experience symptoms such as:

  • Sudden and rapidly intensifying pain in the upper right portion or center of the abdomen
  • Back pain between the shoulder blades
  • Pain in the right shoulder
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

These symptoms can last from several minutes to several hours. As always, patients should seek immediate medical attention if their abdominal pain is so intense they can’t find a comfortable position when seated or standing, if there is yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, or if they have a high fever with chills. These are signs of a serious gallbladder complication.

Following an initial consultation, we can often schedule your procedure within one week.

Affiliate Location

Find a Provider


Diagnostic Tests

Diagnostic tests can determine whether you have gallstones. Your doctor may recommend an abdominal ultrasound or CT scan in order to look for signs of gallstones. Patients may also require a test that uses dye to highlight the bile ducts to determine whether or not there is a gallstone blockage. Blood tests, MRI, and hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scans are also used to identify gallstones.

Treatment

In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medications intended to dissolve gallstones over the course of several months or years. Some patients require surgery to remove the gallbladder (cholecystectomy). When the gallbladder is removed, bile will flow directly from the liver to the small intestine rather than being stored in the gallbladder.


What is the Gallbladder & Gallstones

General Surgeon, Richard J. Tomolonis, MD explains what the gallbladder is and when someone might get gallstones. 

When is Gallbladder Surgery Necessary?

General Surgeon, Richard J. Tomolonis, MD explains when gallbladder surgery is necessary and what patients can expect.

When to Remove Your Gallbladder

General Surgeon, Richard J. Tomolonis, MD explains when the appropriate time is to remove your gallbladder.

Gallbladder Laparoscopic Surgery

General Surgeon, Richard J. Tomolonis, MD explains using laparoscopic surgery for removing the gallbladder.

Meet Our Team

Our team of surgeons, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and support staff at CMC is highly trained and specialized and offer the newest approaches and techniques if your road back to health requires surgery.

Find a Provider