What are gallstones?

Gallstones: Gallstones are made of various crystal that grow into stones in the gallbladder. They can be from bile (bilirubin) or cholesterol origin. They grow in the gallbladder, may be present without any symptoms, or may cause upper abdominal pressure, bloating, discomfort, nausea, or vomiting. Often eating fatty foods may aggravate the discomfort from gallstones.

Stones: Stones inside the gallbladder made usually from cholesterol or calcium.

R U In Pain?: The presence of gallstones in and of itself does not require treatment--as many as 75% of people with 'silent' stones will never develop symptoms. However, if you are having pain due to the gallstones, the best option is to have your gallbladder removed. Laparoscopic removal is usually an out-patient operation with low complication rates and a quick return to normal activities. Good luck!

Depends: Leave them alone & observe if you are having no abdominal symptoms of discomfort, nausea or vomiting. Laparoscopic surgery is a common means to remove gallbladder and gallstones if they are causing an illness or problem. Medication may dissolve non-calcified gallstones but may take years.