Gallstones, Gallbladder Disease, and Pancreatitis

The gallbladder stores bile, a fluid that helps digest fat. Gallstones are hard deposits that form in the gallbladder. They are common, and many people with gallstones never have symptoms. Problems happen when a stone blocks the flow of bile.

Gallstone symptoms

• Steady pain in the upper right or middle belly, often after meals
• Pain spreading to the back or right shoulder
• Nausea or vomiting

Complications

• Gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis): lasting pain and fever
• Bile duct stones: can cause yellow skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, and infection
• Gallstone pancreatitis: a stone blocks the pancreas duct

Go to the emergency room for severe or lasting pain, fever, jaundice, or pain spreading to the back.

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. The most common causes are gallstones and alcohol. Very high triglycerides, some medicines, and certain procedures can also cause it. Symptoms include severe upper belly pain spreading to the back, nausea, and vomiting. Acute pancreatitis usually needs hospital care with fluids and pain control. Repeated attacks can lead to chronic pancreatitis.

Tests

• Blood tests and ultrasound
• MRI (MRCP) or endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) to look for small stones in the bile duct

Treatment

• Gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy): for symptomatic gallstones, usually done laparoscopically by a surgeon
• ERCP: removes stones from the bile duct without surgery
• Avoiding alcohol and treating high triglycerides to prevent repeat pancreatitis

Make an appointment

Our gastroenterologists in Temple City care for patients from Arcadia, San Gabriel, Pasadena, Monrovia, Monterey Park, and across the San Gabriel Valley. We accept most PPO plans (see accepted insurances), and our doctors speak English, Vietnamese, and Mandarin. Schedule an appointment or call 626-898-4560.

This article is for general education and is not a substitute for medical advice. Talk with your doctor about your own health.