Gallstones waiting list care patient overview

Overview

Gallstones are small, hard deposits that form in your gallbladder, a small organ under your liver that stores bile (a fluid that helps digest fats). They can range in size from a grain of sand to a golf ball. Many people have gallstones without knowing it, but they can sometimes cause pain or other problems.

Yes, gallstones are very common. Around 1 in 10 adults in the UK have gallstones, though many don't know it.

Gallstones affect people of all ages, but they are more common in women, people over 40, and those who are overweight or have a family history of gallstones.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Sudden, sharp pain in the upper right belly or between your shoulder blades
• Pain that comes and goes, often after eating fatty meals
• Nausea or vomiting

Symptoms in children

• Parents may notice complaints of tummy aches, especially after meals.
• Children might have nausea, vomiting, or yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may have less typical symptoms, such as just feeling generally unwell or having a mild fever.
• Confusion or sudden changes in behaviour can sometimes be a sign of an infection related to gallstones.

Causes

Main causes

• An imbalance in the substances that make up bile, such as too much cholesterol or bilirubin.
• The gallbladder not emptying properly, allowing bile to become too concentrated.

Risk factors

• Being overweight or obese
• Eating a high-fat, high-cholesterol, or low-fibre diet
• Rapid weight loss
• Being female, especially if you have had multiple pregnancies
• Being over 40 years old
• Family history of gallstones
• Certain medical conditions like diabetes or liver disease

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have severe belly pain that stops you from carrying on with your day.
• If you vomit repeatedly or can't keep food or water down.
• If you develop a high fever, chills, or jaundice.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have mild, occasional pain in your upper belly that you think might be related to eating fatty foods.
• If you have been told you have gallstones and want to discuss what to do.

Diagnosis

Gallstones are usually diagnosed with an ultrasound scan, which uses sound waves to create a picture of your gallbladder. This test is painless and quick.

Tests that may be done

• Ultrasound scan of your abdomen
• Blood tests to check your liver and pancreas function
• Sometimes a CT scan or MRI if more detail is needed

What to expect at your appointment

If your doctor thinks you have gallstones, they will refer you for an ultrasound. If you are already on a waiting list for treatment, you may have already had this test. Your doctor will explain the results and discuss your options for managing symptoms while you wait.

Treatment

Treatment for gallstones depends on whether you have symptoms. If you don't have symptoms, you may not need any treatment. If you do have symptoms, the most common treatment is surgery to remove the gallbladder. While you wait for surgery, you can manage symptoms with simple measures.

Self-care at home

• Eat smaller, lower-fat meals more often throughout the day.
• Avoid fried, greasy, or heavy foods that can trigger pain.
• Keep a healthy weight – avoid rapid weight loss diets.
• Drink plenty of water.

Medical treatments

There are no medications that can reliably dissolve gallstones. If you are in pain, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen – but always check with your pharmacist or doctor first, as some painkillers are not suitable for people with liver or gallbladder problems. Antibiotics may be prescribed if an infection is present.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery to remove the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) is the most common treatment for symptomatic gallstones. It is usually done with keyhole surgery, meaning a quicker recovery. While you are on the waiting list, your healthcare team will help you manage symptoms and monitor for any signs of complications.

Living with this condition

Living with gallstones while waiting for treatment means paying attention to your diet and symptoms. Most people can carry on with normal activities, but you may need to plan meals carefully and rest if pain occurs.

Lifestyle tips

• Eat a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fibre.
• Exercise regularly – aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days.
• Avoid crash diets or fasting, which can trigger gallstone attacks.

Diet and exercise

A low-fat diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help reduce symptoms. Regular exercise helps you maintain a healthy weight, which is good for your gallbladder health. Avoid high-fat meats, fried foods, and creamy sauces.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Waiting for treatment can be stressful, especially if you have repeated pain. It is normal to feel anxious or frustrated. Talking to your healthcare team about your waiting time and having a plan for managing attacks can help.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent gallstones, but a healthy lifestyle can reduce your risk. Eating a diet low in fat and high in fibre, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly are the best ways to lower your chances of developing gallstones or having symptoms.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine for gallstones.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for gallstones. They are usually found when a person has symptoms or during tests for other reasons.

Complications

If left untreated

• Inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis) causing severe pain and infection.
• A gallstone blocking the bile duct, which can cause jaundice and infection.
• Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), which is a serious condition.

Long-term outlook

The outlook for people with gallstones is generally very good. Many people never need treatment. For those who do, surgery is safe and effective, and most people recover fully without long-term problems. While you wait for treatment, staying in touch with your healthcare team and managing symptoms carefully will help keep you well.

Find support

Local organisations

• Your local GP or hospital · UK
• NHS website ↗ · UK

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