What causes gallstones?

My doctor told me I have gallstones and may need surgery. What causes these stones?

The liver makes bile which helps your body digest fat. The gallbladder is a small sac like organ just below the liver that stores bile until your digestive system needs it. Sometimes bile and cholesterol combine to form gallstones. The stones can be very small, like a grain of salt, or can be as big as a golf ball. Usually people do not know they have gallstones because they feel well. The stones can cause problems when they travel through or block one of the tubes used to move bile to the intestine. The tubes are called the common bile duct and cystic duct.

If you have stones, you might not have symptoms or you may have mild to severe pain in your tummy on the upper right side or middle. The pain may be constant or may come and go. The pain can spread to your right shoulder blade. Eating may cause worsening pain.

You may have a fever if your gallbladder becomes infected. The pain may become more severe and your skin and the whites or your eyes may develop a yellow-tinge. The pancreas which is another organ may also become swollen. It is important to call your physician if you are having sudden or severe pain.

Your doctor can determine if you have gallstones through ultrasound and other imaging tests. You may not need treatment if you have gallstones but do not have any pain. You may have only one episode of mild pain that gets better with some pain medication. If the pain does not come back, you probably do not need treatment. Bad attacks of pain or a second attack means you are more likely to have pain again. Your doctor may recommend having your gallbladder removed through surgery. You can live normally without your gallbladder. You may have small changes in how you digest food but will not notice. Commonly, several small cuts (laparoscopic surgery) are made in your belly to remove your gallbladder. You can return to normal activities like work in 1 to 2 weeks.

For more information about gallstones, or for available programs and services, contact Health Link Alberta where nurses are available 24-7 to provide health advice and information. Call 1-866-408-LINK (5465) or 780-408-LINK (Edmonton area) or 403-943-LINK (Calgary area).