What should I do about silent gallstones?
If stones were found on an ultrasound and you have no pain, most of the time surgery is not needed. When is it different?
Many people have an ultrasound for something else and read “gallstones” in the report. The first question is: do I need surgery?
If you have no pain
Most silent stones cause no trouble and usually need no treatment. Removing the gallbladder is an operation with its own risks, so it is not usually done without symptoms.
What does gallstone pain feel like?
Pain in the upper abdomen or under the right ribs that starts suddenly, stays steady and sometimes spreads to the back or right shoulder. If you have had pain like this, your stones are no longer silent and you should be seen. Vague bloating and indigestion do not always come from stones, and removing the gallbladder does not necessarily cure them.
When can it be different?
In some special situations the doctor may talk with you about surgery even without symptoms, for example with certain ultrasound findings on the gallbladder wall or certain other illnesses. The doctor weighs this after seeing your results.
Diet and medicines
Diet does not remove stones. Avoid herbal medicines and “stone flush” methods, because they can be dangerous.
What is urgent?
Lasting pain, fever and chills or jaundice can mean a stone has caused a complication. Go to the emergency department the same day.