What are the risks of living with gallbladder disease?

Pain, Complications: Pain is usually due to transient obstruction of the gallbladder, called biliary colic or chronic cholecystitis. If the blockage persists, acute inflammation may occur necessitating urgent surgery. Some people may pass a stone into the common bile duct; this can lead to serious bile duct infections (cholangitis) or pancreatitis. In general, the benefits of elective surgery outweigh the risks.

Varies: The spectrum of things that can happen as a result of gallbladder disease varies. Some people can have pain after eating certain foods. Others have pain every time they eat. Gallbladders can become infected. Also stones can get out of the gallbladder and block the liver or pancreas. Blocking the pancreas can cause pancreatitis.