Can you tell me if gallstones return after you have them removed?

They do not: It is possible however that the gallbladder wall can tear during the operation, and gallstones can spill out. Despite the surgeon's best effort, it is possible that some could be left behind. While these mostly never cause a problem, and small percentage of patients can develop an abscess from these stones. It's also possible that there is a stone in the common bile duct that is unknown, and this can be problematic afterwards as well. This too is uncommon.