{"id":3222,"date":"2026-10-02T11:54:51","date_gmt":"2026-10-02T08:54:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kkonstantinidis.com\/petra-sti-choli-symptomata\/"},"modified":"2026-10-19T14:42:07","modified_gmt":"2026-10-19T11:42:07","slug":"gallstones-symptoms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kkonstantinidis.com\/en\/gallstones-symptoms\/","title":{"rendered":"Gallstones: Which Symptoms Mean You Should See a Surgeon"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>.kkp-art{--kd:#1A687B;--km:#256472;--ka:#2D9AB2;--kl:#24778C;--kt:#F2F9FB;--kb:#D5E8EC;font-family:Manrope,sans-serif;color:#000}.kkp-art *{box-sizing:border-box}.kkp-art p,.kkp-art li{font-family:Manrope,sans-serif;font-size:16px;line-height:26px;font-weight:300;color:#000}.kkp-art p{margin:0 0 16px}.kkp-art strong{font-weight:700}.kkp-art a{display:inline;color:var(--kl);text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;font-weight:500}.kkp-art a:hover{color:var(--kd)}.kkp-art h2{font-family:Manrope,sans-serif;color:var(--kd);font-size:26px;line-height:34px;font-weight:700;margin:44px 0 16px;scroll-margin-top:130px}.kkp-art h3{font-family:Manrope,sans-serif;color:var(--km);font-size:19px;line-height:27px;font-weight:700;margin:26px 0 10px;scroll-margin-top:130px}.kkp-art ul,.kkp-art ol{margin:0 0 18px;padding-left:20px}.kkp-art li{margin:0 0 8px}.kkp-art li::marker{color:var(--ka)}.content-column .kkp-art .kkp-nl{list-style:none!important;padding-left:0}.kkp-art img{max-width:100%;height:auto;display:block}.kkp-art .kkp-lead{border-left:4px solid var(--ka);background:var(--kt);border-radius:0 15px 15px 0;padding:18px 20px;margin:0 0 22px}.kkp-art .kkp-lead p{margin:0;font-weight:400}.kkp-art .kkp-keys{border:1px solid var(--kb);border-radius:15px;padding:18px 20px 6px;margin:0 0 22px}.kkp-art p.kkp-kt{font-weight:700;color:var(--kd);font-size:17px;margin:0 0 10px}.kkp-art .kkp-keys li{position:relative;padding-left:28px}.kkp-art .kkp-keys li::before{content:\"\";position:absolute;left:0;top:5px;width:17px;height:17px;border-radius:50%;background:var(--ka)}.kkp-art .kkp-keys li::after{content:\"\";position:absolute;left:6px;top:9px;width:5px;height:8px;border:solid #fff;border-width:0 2px 2px 0;transform:rotate(45deg)}.kkp-art .kkp-cta{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;gap:12px;background:linear-gradient(to right,#1a687b,#419ea1);border-radius:15px;padding:16px 20px;margin:0 0 26px}.kkp-art .kkp-cta p{color:#fff;margin:0;font-weight:500;flex:1 1 200px}.kkp-art .kkp-cta a.kkp-btn{background:#fff;color:var(--kd);border-color:#fff}.kkp-art .kkp-cta a.kkp-btn:hover{background:transparent;color:#fff}.kkp-art a.kkp-btn{display:inline-block;border:2px solid var(--ka);border-radius:31px;padding:10px 20px;font-size:15px;line-height:18px;font-weight:600;letter-spacing:.3px;text-decoration:none;color:var(--ka);background:transparent;transition:all .2s}.kkp-art a.kkp-btn:hover{background:var(--ka);color:#fff}.kkp-art a.kkp-btn.kkp-fill{background:var(--ka);color:#fff}.kkp-art a.kkp-btn.kkp-fill:hover{background:var(--kd);border-color:var(--kd)}.kkp-art .kkp-toc{background:var(--kt);border-radius:15px;padding:18px 20px 8px;margin:0 0 10px}.kkp-art .kkp-toc ol{counter-reset:kt;margin:0}.kkp-art .kkp-toc li{counter-increment:kt;position:relative;padding-left:34px;margin:0 0 10px;line-height:22px}.kkp-art .kkp-toc li::before{content:counter(kt);position:absolute;left:0;top:0;width:24px;height:24px;border-radius:50%;background:#fff;border:1px solid var(--kb);color:var(--kd);font-size:12px;font-weight:700;line-height:22px;text-align:center}.kkp-art .kkp-toc a{text-decoration:none;font-weight:500;color:var(--km)}.kkp-art .kkp-toc a:hover{color:var(--ka);text-decoration:underline}.kkp-art .kkp-card{border:1px solid var(--kb);border-radius:15px;padding:16px 18px 4px;margin:0 0 14px;background:#fff}.kkp-art .kkp-card h3{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:12px;margin:0 0 8px}.kkp-art .kkp-symp{counter-reset:ks}.kkp-art .kkp-card{counter-increment:ks}.kkp-art .kkp-card h3::before{content:counter(ks);flex:0 0 32px;width:32px;height:32px;border-radius:50%;background:var(--ka);color:#fff;font-size:15px;line-height:32px;text-align:center}.kkp-art .kkp-alert{background:linear-gradient(135deg,#1a687b,#419ea1);border-radius:15px;padding:20px 22px 8px;margin:0 0 18px}.kkp-art .kkp-alert p,.kkp-art .kkp-alert li{color:#fff}.kkp-art .kkp-alert .kkp-kt{color:#fff}.kkp-art .kkp-alert li{position:relative;padding-left:26px}.kkp-art .kkp-alert li::before{content:\"!\";position:absolute;left:0;top:3px;width:18px;height:18px;border-radius:50%;background:#fff;color:var(--kd);font-size:12px;font-weight:800;line-height:18px;text-align:center}.kkp-art .kkp-cmp{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr;gap:12px;margin:0 0 20px}.kkp-art .kkp-cmp>div{border-radius:15px;padding:16px 18px 6px;border:1px solid var(--kb)}.kkp-art .kkp-cmp>div:first-child{background:var(--kt)}.kkp-art .kkp-cmp>div:last-child{border:2px solid var(--kd)}.kkp-art .kkp-cmp ul{padding-left:18px;margin:0 0 10px}.kkp-art p.kkp-note{font-size:15px;line-height:24px;border-left:4px solid var(--kd);padding:2px 0 2px 16px}.kkp-art figure{margin:6px 0 22px}.kkp-art figure img{border-radius:15px;width:100%}.kkp-art figcaption{font-size:14px;line-height:21px;color:#555;margin-top:8px;font-weight:400}.kkp-art .kkp-info{background:var(--kt);border-radius:15px;padding:18px 20px 4px;margin:0 0 18px}.kkp-art .kkp-steps li{position:relative;padding:0 0 0 30px;margin-bottom:12px}.kkp-art .kkp-steps li::before{content:\"\";position:absolute;left:6px;top:8px;width:10px;height:10px;border-radius:50%;background:var(--ka);box-shadow:0 0 0 4px #DDEFF3}.kkp-art .kkp-faq details{border:1px solid var(--kb);border-radius:15px;margin:0 0 12px;background:#fff;overflow:hidden}.kkp-art .kkp-faq summary{list-style:none;cursor:pointer;position:relative;padding:15px 50px 15px 18px;font-family:Manrope,sans-serif;font-size:17px;line-height:25px;font-weight:700;color:var(--km)}.kkp-art .kkp-faq summary::-webkit-details-marker{display:none}.kkp-art .kkp-faq summary::after{content:\"+\";position:absolute;right:16px;top:50%;transform:translateY(-50%);width:26px;height:26px;border-radius:50%;background:var(--kt);color:var(--kd);font-size:19px;line-height:25px;text-align:center;font-weight:600}.kkp-art .kkp-faq details[open] summary::after{content:\"\u2212\"}.kkp-art .kkp-faq details[open] summary{color:var(--kd)}.kkp-art .kkp-faq details p{padding:0 18px;margin:0 0 16px}.kkp-art .kkp-bio{position:relative;border:1px solid var(--kb);border-top:4px solid var(--ka);border-radius:15px;padding:22px 20px 20px;margin:40px 0 10px;background:#fff}.kkp-art .kkp-bio-head{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:16px;margin:0 0 14px}.kkp-art .kkp-bio-head img{flex:0 0 104px;width:104px;height:104px;border-radius:50%}.kkp-art p.kkp-bio-name{font-size:20px;line-height:26px;font-weight:700;color:var(--kd);margin:0 0 4px}.kkp-art p.kkp-bio-role{font-size:14px;line-height:21px;font-weight:500;color:var(--km);margin:0}.kkp-art .kkp-stats{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(3,1fr);gap:8px;margin:0 0 16px}.kkp-art .kkp-stats div{background:var(--kt);border-radius:12px;padding:10px 6px;text-align:center}.kkp-art .kkp-stats b{display:block;font-size:19px;line-height:24px;color:var(--kd);font-weight:800}.kkp-art .kkp-stats span{display:block;font-size:12px;line-height:16px;color:#333;font-weight:500}.kkp-art .kkp-bio-btns{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:10px}.kkp-art .kkp-src li{font-size:14px;line-height:22px;word-break:break-word}.kkp-art .kkp-src a{word-break:break-all;font-weight:400}.kkp-art p.kkp-disc{font-size:13px;line-height:20px;color:#555;font-style:italic;margin-top:14px}@media (max-width:480px){.kkp-art h2{font-size:23px;line-height:30px}.kkp-art .kkp-bio-head{flex-direction:column;text-align:center}.kkp-art .kkp-stats b{font-size:17px}.kkp-art .kkp-bio-btns{justify-content:center}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"kkp-art\">\n<div class=\"kkp-lead\">\n<p><strong>Gallstones (cholelithiasis)<\/strong> often cause no symptoms at all and are found by chance on an ultrasound scan. The most common symptoms showing that the stones are now causing problems, and that it is worth seeing a surgeon, are <strong>pain in the upper right part of the abdomen, often after a fatty meal, together with nausea, bloating or indigestion<\/strong>. <strong>Warning signs that need urgent assessment<\/strong> are severe, persistent pain, fever with chills, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), dark urine and persistent vomiting.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"kkp-keys\">\n<p class=\"kkp-kt\">At a glance<\/p>\n<ul class=\"kkp-nl\">\n<li>Most people with gallstones that cause no symptoms will never need treatment.<\/li>\n<li>Biliary colic is felt in the upper right or centre of the abdomen, just below the breastbone, and lasts from several minutes to a few hours.<\/li>\n<li>Fever with chills, jaundice or pain so severe that you cannot get comfortable need urgent medical attention.<\/li>\n<li>The main treatment for gallstones that cause symptoms is removal of the gallbladder (<a href=\"https:\/\/kkonstantinidis.com\/en\/\">cholecystectomy<\/a>).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"kkp-cta\">\n<p>Do you recognise any of these symptoms?<\/p>\n<div class=\"kkp-cta-b\"><a class=\"kkp-btn\" href=\"#pre_footer\">Book an assessment<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<nav class=\"kkp-toc\" aria-label=\"Article contents\">\n<p class=\"kkp-kt\">In this article<\/p>\n<ol class=\"kkp-nl\">\n<li><a href=\"#ti-einai-i-petra-sti-choli\">What gallstones are and why they form<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#symptomata\">Which symptoms point to gallstones<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#simadia-synagermou\">Warning signs: when to see a doctor urgently<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#asymptomatikes-petres\">Gallstones without symptoms<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#diagnosi\">How gallstones are diagnosed<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#cheirourgiki-antimetopisi\">When surgery is needed<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#syxnes-erotiseis\">Frequently asked questions<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h2 id=\"ti-einai-i-petra-sti-choli\">What gallstones are and why they form<\/h2>\n<p>The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ on the right side of the abdomen, just below the liver. It stores bile, the digestive fluid that is released into the small intestine and helps break down fats. Together with the liver, the pancreas and the bile ducts, it forms a system in which <a href=\"https:\/\/kkonstantinidis.com\/en\/ipar-pagkreas-splinas-cholifora\/\">liver, pancreas and bile duct conditions<\/a> often affect one another.<\/p>\n<p>When the composition of bile changes and its components crystallise, stones of various sizes form, from fine \u201csludge\u201d (sediment) to stones several millimetres across. This is called <a href=\"https:\/\/kkonstantinidis.com\/en\/cholelithiasis-gallstones\/\">cholelithiasis<\/a>. Stones form mainly when:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>the bile contains <strong>more cholesterol<\/strong> than it can dissolve, which leads to cholesterol stones,<\/li>\n<li>the bile contains <strong>a lot of bilirubin<\/strong>, which leads to dark pigment stones,<\/li>\n<li>the gallbladder <strong>does not empty completely or often enough<\/strong> and the bile becomes very concentrated.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>It is one of the most common conditions of the digestive system, yet most gallstones remain <strong>asymptomatic<\/strong> for years.<\/p>\n<h3>Who is more likely to get gallstones<\/h3>\n<p>Gallstones are more common in:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Women<\/strong>, because of hormonal changes (oestrogen), especially during pregnancy.<\/li>\n<li>People <strong>over the age of 40<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>People who are <strong>overweight<\/strong> or have a sedentary lifestyle.<\/li>\n<li>People with a <strong>family history<\/strong> of gallstones or with diabetes.<\/li>\n<li>People whose diet is high in fat and low in fibre.<\/li>\n<li>People who lose weight very quickly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"symptomata\">Which symptoms point to gallstones<\/h2>\n<p>The most typical symptom is <strong>biliary colic<\/strong>: pain that starts suddenly, quickly gets worse and can last from several minutes to a few hours. It often comes on after a heavy or fatty meal. These are the most common signs:<\/p>\n<div class=\"kkp-symp\">\n<div class=\"kkp-card\">\n<h3>Pain in the upper right abdomen<\/h3>\n<p>It is felt below the ribs on the right. It can also be felt in the centre of the abdomen, just below the breastbone, in the back between the shoulder blades or in the right shoulder.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"kkp-card\">\n<h3>Nausea, vomiting and indigestion<\/h3>\n<p>Gallstones are often mistaken for simple indigestion or heartburn, because they cause nausea, vomiting and a feeling of heaviness after eating, especially after fatty meals.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"kkp-card\">\n<h3>Bloating and intolerance of fatty foods<\/h3>\n<p>Many patients report persistent bloating, wind and difficulty tolerating heavy or fatty foods, such as fried food or full-fat dairy products.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"kkp-card\">\n<h3>Pain that does not ease with simple painkillers<\/h3>\n<p>When the pain is not relieved by ordinary painkillers or lasts longer than a few hours, you need to be assessed by a doctor, as it may mean that a stone is causing a blockage or inflammation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"simadia-synagermou\">Warning signs: when to see a doctor urgently<\/h2>\n<p>Some symptoms point to a possible <strong>complication<\/strong>, such as inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis), blockage of the common bile duct or pancreatitis, and need <strong>urgent medical assessment<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"kkp-alert\">\n<p class=\"kkp-kt\">Get medical help urgently if you have:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"kkp-nl\">\n<li><strong>Severe pain<\/strong> that stops you getting comfortable or that lasts for hours.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Fever with chills<\/strong>, a possible sign of inflammation (acute cholecystitis) or infection of the bile ducts.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Jaundice<\/strong>, meaning yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Dark urine and pale stools<\/strong>, a possible sign of a blocked common bile duct.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pain that spreads to the back<\/strong> together with vomiting.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Persistent vomiting<\/strong> that stops you eating or drinking.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"kkp-cmp\">\n<div>\n<p class=\"kkp-kt\">Simple biliary colic<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Pain in the upper right abdomen or below the breastbone<\/li>\n<li>Lasts from several minutes to a few hours and then eases<\/li>\n<li>Needs a planned assessment by a surgeon<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"kkp-kt\">Possible complication<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Severe pain that does not go away<\/li>\n<li>Fever with chills, jaundice or dark urine<\/li>\n<li>Needs urgent assessment in hospital<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"kkp-note\">If you have a combination of severe pain, fever and jaundice, you need to go straight to a hospital emergency department. Acute abdominal pain has many possible causes, from the gallbladder to <a href=\"https:\/\/kkonstantinidis.com\/en\/okseia-skwlikoeiditida\/\">acute appendicitis<\/a>, and prompt treatment of a complication such as pancreatitis is crucial. This is why an <a href=\"https:\/\/kkonstantinidis.com\/en\/epeigousa-xeirourgiki\/\">emergency surgery<\/a> assessment should not be delayed.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"asymptomatikes-petres\">Gallstones without symptoms: what happens when there is no discomfort<\/h2>\n<p>Many gallstones are <strong>asymptomatic<\/strong> and are found by chance on an ultrasound scan done for another reason. Most people with gallstones that cause no symptoms will never need treatment.<\/p>\n<p>The choice between monitoring and surgery depends on factors such as the size and number of the stones, the presence of a <a href=\"https:\/\/kkonstantinidis.com\/en\/polypodes-xolidoxou-kystis\/\">gallbladder polyp<\/a>, other existing conditions and your medical history. The assessment should be tailored to each person by a surgeon.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"diagnosi\">How gallstones are diagnosed<\/h2>\n<figure><img class=\"wp-image-2945 size-medium_large\" src=\"https:\/\/kkonstantinidis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/yperichografima-ano-koilias-petra-sti-choli-768x512.webp\" alt=\"Doctor performing an abdominal ultrasound scan on a patient to diagnose gallstones\" width=\"768\" height=\"512\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kkonstantinidis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/yperichografima-ano-koilias-petra-sti-choli-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/kkonstantinidis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/yperichografima-ano-koilias-petra-sti-choli-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/kkonstantinidis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/yperichografima-ano-koilias-petra-sti-choli-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/kkonstantinidis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/yperichografima-ano-koilias-petra-sti-choli.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption>An upper abdominal ultrasound scan is the test most often used to detect gallstones.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Diagnosing gallstones is simple and painless. The doctor usually uses:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"kkp-nl kkp-steps\">\n<li><strong>Upper abdominal ultrasound:<\/strong> the main and most commonly used test for detecting stones.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Blood tests:<\/strong> to check for inflammation, liver function and a possible blockage, jaundice or pancreatitis.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Endoscopic ultrasound:<\/strong> can detect smaller stones that do not show up on a standard ultrasound.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) or CT scan:<\/strong> in selected cases, when a stone in the bile ducts is suspected.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"cheirourgiki-antimetopisi\">When gallstones need surgical treatment<\/h2>\n<p>When gallstones cause symptoms or complications, the established and definitive treatment is <strong>cholecystectomy<\/strong>, meaning removal of the gallbladder, because gallstones often come back. Surgery is usually recommended when:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>There are <strong>repeated episodes of pain<\/strong> (biliary colic).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Inflammation of the gallbladder<\/strong> (cholecystitis) has occurred.<\/li>\n<li>A stone has caused a <strong>blockage or pancreatitis<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>There is also a <strong>polyp<\/strong> or other risk factors, at the surgeon\u2019s discretion.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"kkp-info\">\n<p class=\"kkp-kt\">Do I need my gallbladder?<\/p>\n<p>No. The body can work normally without it, and removing it does not affect your ability to digest food. Medicines that dissolve gallstones are rarely used and are mainly intended for people who cannot have surgery: treatment can take months or years, and the stones are likely to come back once it stops.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<figure><img class=\"wp-image-2709 size-medium_large\" src=\"https:\/\/kkonstantinidis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/DaVinci_-konstantinids-768x576.webp\" alt=\"Dr. Konstantinidis next to the da Vinci robotic system during a robotic operation\" width=\"768\" height=\"576\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kkonstantinidis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/DaVinci_-konstantinids-768x576.webp 768w, https:\/\/kkonstantinidis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/DaVinci_-konstantinids-300x225.webp 300w, https:\/\/kkonstantinidis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/DaVinci_-konstantinids-1024x768.webp 1024w, https:\/\/kkonstantinidis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/DaVinci_-konstantinids-1536x1152.webp 1536w, https:\/\/kkonstantinidis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/DaVinci_-konstantinids.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption>Dr. Konstantinidis in the operating theatre with the da Vinci robotic system.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Today the operation is performed with <strong>minimally invasive methods<\/strong>, <a href=\"https:\/\/kkonstantinidis.com\/en\/laparoskopiki-xeirourgiki\/\">laparoscopic<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/kkonstantinidis.com\/en\/robotiki-cheirourgiki\/\">robotic surgery<\/a>, which offer small incisions, less pain and faster recovery than open surgery. Dr. Konstantinidis also performs robotic cholecystectomy through a single incision (Single Site technique).<\/p>\n<p>If you would like to find out more, read about <a href=\"https:\/\/kkonstantinidis.com\/en\/\">the difference between laparoscopic and robotic surgery<\/a> and a real <a href=\"https:\/\/kkonstantinidis.com\/en\/case-study-robotic-cholecystectomy-with-simultaneous-excision-of-gynecological-cancer\/\">case study of robotic gallbladder removal<\/a>. For what happens after the operation, see in detail <a href=\"https:\/\/kkonstantinidis.com\/en\/recovery-after-gallbladder-removal\/\">how recovery progresses after a cholecystectomy<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"syxnes-erotiseis\">Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n<div class=\"kkp-faq\">\n<details open>\n<summary>Where do you feel gallstone pain?<\/summary>\n<p>Gallstone pain is usually felt in the upper right part of the abdomen, below the ribs, or in the centre of the abdomen, below the breastbone. It may spread to the back between the shoulder blades or to the right shoulder, and it often comes on after a heavy or fatty meal.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary>How long does gallbladder pain last, and how does it settle?<\/summary>\n<p>A typical episode of biliary colic lasts from several minutes to a few hours and usually eases. Until you are assessed, your doctor can suggest a suitable painkiller. If the pain is very severe, lasts for hours or comes with fever, jaundice or vomiting, you need urgent medical assessment.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary>Can gallstones go away without surgery?<\/summary>\n<p>There are medicines that may dissolve some gallstones, but treatment takes months or years and the stones are likely to come back once it stops. This is why medicines are rarely used, mainly in people who cannot have surgery. The definitive treatment for gallstones that cause symptoms is removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy).<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary>What should I eat if I have gallstones?<\/summary>\n<p>Until you are seen by a doctor, it helps to avoid fatty, fried and heavy meals, to eat smaller meals without skipping any and to choose foods high in fibre. If you need to lose weight, do it gradually. Diet relieves the symptoms; it does not get rid of the stones.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary>Should I have my gallbladder removed if the stones cause no symptoms?<\/summary>\n<p>Usually not. Most people with gallstones that cause no symptoms never need treatment and are simply monitored. The decision should still be made individually, because some cases, such as large or multiple stones, a polyp or other existing conditions, carry a higher risk of complications.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary>Can gallstones cause stomach pain?<\/summary>\n<p>Yes. Biliary colic is not only felt on the right: it is often felt in the centre of the abdomen, just below the breastbone, where many people think their stomach hurts. This is why it is often mistaken for indigestion or heartburn.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"kkp-bio\">\n<div class=\"kkp-bio-head\"><img class=\"wp-image-2158 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/kkonstantinidis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/konstantinidis-n-300x300.png\" alt=\"Dr. Konstantinos M. Konstantinidis, General Surgeon\" width=\"104\" height=\"104\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kkonstantinidis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/konstantinidis-n-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/kkonstantinidis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/konstantinidis-n-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/kkonstantinidis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/konstantinidis-n.png 532w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 104px) 100vw, 104px\" \/><\/p>\n<div>\n<p class=\"kkp-bio-name\">Dr. Konstantinos M. Konstantinidis<\/p>\n<p class=\"kkp-bio-role\">General Surgeon \u00b7 MD, PhD, FACS, MAMSE, FASMBS<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Dr. Konstantinidis is the founder of robotic surgery in Greece, where he was the first to use the da Vinci system in 2006, and a pioneer of laparoscopic surgery. In 2011, he was selected as the first surgeon in the world to perform single-incision robotic surgery (Single Site), the technique he also uses for robotic cholecystectomy.<\/p>\n<div class=\"kkp-stats\">\n<div><b>5,000+<\/b><span>robotic operations<\/span><\/div>\n<div><b>17,000+<\/b><span>laparoscopic operations<\/span><\/div>\n<div><b>1st<\/b><span>in the world in robotic Single Site surgery<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>If you recognise any of the symptoms above, a personalised assessment can tell you with confidence whether you need treatment and which option is best for you.<\/p>\n<div class=\"kkp-bio-btns\"><a class=\"kkp-btn kkp-fill\" href=\"#pre_footer\">Book an assessment<\/a><a class=\"kkp-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/kkonstantinidis.com\/en\/biografiko\/\">Doctor\u2019s CV<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"piges\">Sources<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"kkp-src\">\n<li>Mayo Clinic, Gallstones &#45; Symptoms &amp; causes. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/gallstones\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20354214\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/gallstones\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20354214<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Mayo Clinic, Gallstones &#45; Diagnosis &amp; treatment. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/gallstones\/diagnosis-treatment\/drc-20354220\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/gallstones\/diagnosis-treatment\/drc-20354220<\/a><\/li>\n<li>NHS, Gallstones. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/gallstones\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/gallstones\/<\/a><\/li>\n<li>NIDDK (NIH), Gallstones. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.niddk.nih.gov\/health-information\/digestive-diseases\/gallstones\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.niddk.nih.gov\/health-information\/digestive-diseases\/gallstones<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Cleveland Clinic, Gallstones. <a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/7313-gallstones\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/7313-gallstones<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"kkp-disc\">This article is for information only and does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis or treatment. For any symptom, consult your doctor.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Where gallstone pain is felt, which symptoms are warning signs and when surgical treatment with cholecystectomy is needed.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":2944,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[30],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3222","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-pathiseis-en"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kkonstantinidis.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3222","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kkonstantinidis.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kkonstantinidis.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kkonstantinidis.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kkonstantinidis.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3222"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/kkonstantinidis.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3222\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kkonstantinidis.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2944"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kkonstantinidis.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3222"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kkonstantinidis.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3222"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kkonstantinidis.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3222"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}