Gallstones waiting list care in adults

Overview

Gallstones are small, hard deposits that form in your gallbladder, a small organ under your liver. They can cause pain and other problems, but many people have them without any symptoms. If you are on a waiting list for gallstone treatment, it means you are waiting for a procedure, usually surgery to remove your gallbladder.

Yes, gallstones are very common. They affect about 10–15% of adults in the UK. Many people don't know they have them until they cause symptoms.

Gallstones can affect anyone, but they are more common in women, people over 40, those who are overweight, and people with certain medical conditions like diabetes or liver disease.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Sudden, intense pain in the upper right or center of your belly, often after a heavy meal
• Pain that may spread to your back or right shoulder blade
• Nausea or vomiting
• Indigestion, bloating, or heartburn

Symptoms in children

• Gallstones are less common in children but can occur. Symptoms may include belly pain, nausea, and vomiting, especially after fatty foods.

Symptoms in older adults

• Symptoms may be less clear in older adults. They might have vague belly discomfort, loss of appetite, or confusion without obvious pain.

Causes

Main causes

• Too much cholesterol in your bile, which can form crystals
• Too much bilirubin (a waste product) in your bile
• Your gallbladder not emptying properly

Risk factors

• Being overweight or obese
• Rapid weight loss or crash dieting
• Eating a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet
• Having diabetes or liver disease
• Being pregnant or using hormone therapy
• Having a family history of gallstones

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have sudden, severe belly pain that stops you from doing your usual activities
• If you have fever or chills along with belly pain
• If you notice yellowing of your skin or eyes

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have mild or occasional belly pain after eating
• If you have ongoing indigestion or bloating

Diagnosis

Gallstones are usually found with an ultrasound scan, which uses sound waves to create pictures of your gallbladder. Your doctor may also do blood tests to check for infection or other problems.

Tests that may be done

• Abdominal ultrasound
• Blood tests (to check liver function and signs of infection)
• HIDA scan (a special scan to see how your gallbladder works)

What to expect at your appointment

If you are on a waiting list, you may have had these tests already. While waiting, your doctor might ask you to keep track of your symptoms and let them know if anything changes.

Treatment

If you have symptoms, the most common treatment is surgery to remove your gallbladder. While you wait, your care focuses on managing pain and preventing attacks. This is called waiting list care.

Self-care at home

• Eat a low-fat diet to reduce gallbladder stimulation
• Avoid large, heavy meals – eat smaller meals more often
• Maintain a healthy weight, but avoid rapid weight loss
• Stay active with gentle exercise like walking

Medical treatments

Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers for mild discomfort. In some cases, they may prescribe medication to help dissolve gallstones, but this is not common and takes months to work. Surgery is usually the preferred option.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery (cholecystectomy) is recommended for people who have repeated pain attacks or other symptoms. It is often done by keyhole surgery (laparoscopic), which means a faster recovery. While on the waiting list, you will be monitored for any changes.

Living with this condition

While waiting for treatment, you can live normally but may need to adjust your diet to avoid triggering pain. Keep a symptom diary to share with your doctor.

Lifestyle tips

• Eat a balanced, low-fat diet
• Avoid skipping meals or fasting
• Drink plenty of water
• Get regular physical activity as tolerated

Diet and exercise

Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins like chicken and fish. Limit fatty, fried, and processed foods. Moderate exercise can help with weight management and overall health.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Waiting for surgery can cause anxiety, especially if you worry about sudden pain. It's normal to feel frustrated or worried. Talk to your healthcare provider about any concerns.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent gallstones, but a healthy lifestyle can lower your risk. This includes maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet low in fat and high in fiber, and avoiding crash diets.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for gallstones. They are usually found when you have symptoms or during tests for other reasons.

Complications

If left untreated

• Acute cholecystitis – inflammation of the gallbladder, causing severe pain and fever
• Gallstone pancreatitis – inflammation of the pancreas due to a blocked duct
• Jaundice – yellowing of skin and eyes from a blocked bile duct
• Cholangitis – infection of the bile ducts, which can be serious

Long-term outlook

With proper care while waiting, most people do well. Surgery to remove the gallbladder is very safe and usually cures the problem. You can live a normal, healthy life without a gallbladder.

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