Blog Details
If you’ve ever felt a sudden, sharp pain in your upper right abdomen after eating, especially something greasy, you might be dealing with gallstones. I’ve seen many patients come into our clinic worried about what this pain could mean—and for a good reason. Gallstones are more common than most of us realize, but the good news is that they’re treatable.
Let’s walk through what gallstones are, why they form, the symptoms you should watch for, and the treatment options we usually recommend.
Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid, primarily bile, that form in your gallbladder. Your gallbladder is a small organ located under your liver that helps with digesting fats. When bile contains too much cholesterol or not enough bile salts, stones can form.
These stones can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. Some people only have one, while others may have many.
We often tell our patients that gallstones are usually the result of an imbalance in the substances that make up bile. Some of the most common causes include:
Certain factors can increase your risk. These include:
Some people have silent gallstones and never know they have them. But when gallstones cause a blockage or inflammation, we see symptoms like:
- Sudden, intense pain in the upper right or center abdomen
- Pain that radiates to the back or right shoulder blade
- Nausea or vomiting
- Indigestion, especially after fatty meals
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) if the bile duct is blocked
If you or someone you love is experiencing these symptoms, especially if they come in waves or are triggered by meals, it’s time to get checked.
Pain is generally mild and well-controlled with standard medication, and scarring is minimal given the small incision size.
1. Watchful Waiting
If your gallstones aren’t causing symptoms, we may just monitor them over time. No need for surgery unless complications arise.
2. Medications
In some cases, we might try medications like ursodiol to dissolve cholesterol-based gallstones. This method takes months or even years and is often less effective than other options.
3. Surgery (Cholecystectomy)
The most common and effective treatment is surgical removal of the gallbladder, usually via a laparoscopic (minimally invasive) approach. I’ve performed this procedure on many patients, and most recover quickly with minimal discomfort.
You can live a completely normal life without a gallbladder—your body simply finds other ways to digest fats.
Yes—and here’s how we help patients reduce their risk:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Avoid rapid weight loss
- Eat a balanced diet with fiber and healthy fats
- Exercise regularly
If you’re prone to gallstones, we might also suggest avoiding very high-fat meals or fasting for extended periods.
Gallstones may be common, but they don’t have to control your life. Whether you’re feeling sharp abdominal pain or you’ve just been diagnosed, we’re here to guide you through every step from diagnosis to treatment and recovery.
If you think you might be experiencing gallstone symptoms, don’t wait. Reach out today for an evaluation. Together, we’ll find the best way to protect your health and get you back to feeling your best.
Elemmentor Box
Dr. Girish Kumar Juneja
Laparoscopic, Bariatric & Robotic Surgeon, Dubai
With 30+ years of surgical experience across Europe and the UAE, Dr. Girish shares trusted, expert insights to help patients understand their conditions and treatment options.
Recent Posts
What is Bariatric Surgery?
Cosmetic Laparoscopic Surgery: Minimally Invasive with Maximum Aesthetic Benefits
Gallstones: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Categories