Can gallstones go away without surgery?

Gallstones usually remain once formed. Symptomatic gallstones often recur and may require laparoscopic gallbladder removal.

Are all gallstones painful?

No. Some gallstones are asymptomatic and discovered incidentally. Treatment is usually recommended when symptoms or complications occur.

What is the best treatment for symptomatic gallstones?

For symptomatic gallstones, laparoscopic gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) is the most reliable long-term treatment.

Can gallstones return after gallbladder removal?

No. Once the gallbladder is removed, gallstones cannot reform because the organ that produces them is no longer present.

Biliary Colic in Sydney – Gallbladder Pain & Specialist Assessment

What Is Biliary Colic?

Biliary colic is the most common symptom of gallstones. It refers to episodes of upper abdominal pain caused by temporary blockage of the gallbladder outlet by a gallstone.

The pain typically occurs after eating, particularly fatty or rich meals, and may last from minutes to several hours. Patients with biliary colic in Sydney often seek specialist assessment after experiencing recurrent attacks of upper abdominal pain.

Biliary Colic as a result of gallstones is a common cause of gallbladder disease. Learn more about Gallbladder Disease in Sydney – Symptoms & Assessment.

What Does Biliary Colic Feel Like?

Biliary colic commonly causes:

• Steady upper abdominal pain
• Pain under the right rib cage
• Pain that may radiate to the back or shoulder blade
• Nausea
• Bloating

The pain often begins suddenly and gradually settles.

Attacks may recur over weeks or months.

What Causes Biliary Colic?

Biliary colic occurs when a gallstone temporarily blocks the cystic duct as the gallbladder contracts after eating.

The blockage increases pressure inside the gallbladder, causing pain.

Biliary colic is usually a sign of symptomatic gallstones.

Learn more about Gallstones in Sydney – Symptoms & Causes.

Is Biliary Colic Dangerous?

While biliary colic itself may settle, it is often a warning sign.

Without treatment, patients may develop:

• Acute cholecystitis
• Gallstone pancreatitis
• Cholangitis
• Bile duct obstruction

Early assessment reduces the risk of complications.

What Is The Difference Between Biliary Colic and Cholecystitis?

Biliary colic causes temporary pain when a gallstone briefly blocks the gallbladder outlet and then moves away. The pain typically settles once the blockage resolves.

Acute cholecystitis occurs when the blockage persists and inflammation or infection develops. Pain becomes constant and is often associated with fever or tenderness over the gallbladder.

Distinguishing between biliary colic and cholecystitis is important, as cholecystitis may require urgent treatment.

When Is Surgery Recommended?

If biliary colic is recurrent, gallbladder removal is typically recommended to prevent further attacks and complications.

The procedure is performed laparoscopically in most cases.

See laparoscopic gallbladder surgery (cholecystectomy) in Sydney for detailed information about treatment and recovery.

How Is Biliary Colic Diagnosed?

Diagnosis usually involves:

• Clinical assessment
• Abdominal ultrasound
• Liver function blood tests

Imaging confirms gallstones and helps rule out bile duct obstruction.

Book a Consultation

If you have experienced recurrent upper abdominal pain, specialist assessment by Dr David Joseph can clarify whether gallstones are the cause.

Please call 02 9565 5514 to book. Urgent consultations are available.

Request an appointment

Related Upper Gastrointestinal Conditions

Patients with gallbladder disease may also require assessment for other abdominal wall or metabolic conditions that influence symptoms, surgical planning, and recovery.

Abdominal Wall Hernias – including:
• Inguinal Hernia
• Umbilical Hernia
• Incisional & Ventral Hernia
• Femoral Hernia

Patients may require coordinated management if both gallbladder and hernia surgery are indicated.

Obesity & Bariatric Conditions – excess weight increases the risk of gallstones and biliary symptoms. Learn more about Obesity in Sydney and Bariatric (Weight Loss) Surgery.

A comprehensive specialist assessment ensures all contributing conditions are identified and appropriately managed.

Biliary Colic FAQs

Does biliary colic go away on its own?
An attack may settle, but symptoms usually recur if gallstones remain.

How long does biliary colic pain last?
Pain typically lasts from 30 minutes to several hours.

Is biliary colic an emergency?
If pain persists, worsens, or is associated with fever, jaundice, or vomiting, urgent assessment is required.

Will diet alone stop biliary colic?
Dietary modification may reduce attacks, but definitive treatment is usually surgical removal of the gallbladder.