Gallstones in Sydney – Symptoms, Causes & Specialist Assessment
What Are Gallstones?
Gallstones are solid deposits that form inside the gallbladder. They develop when bile - the digestive fluid produced by the liver - becomes imbalanced and forms crystals that gradually harden into stones.
Gallstones can range in size from tiny grains to larger stones that fill much of the gallbladder. Some people have gallstones without symptoms, while others develop pain or complications requiring treatment.
Patients with gallstones in Sydney commonly seek specialist assessment when they experience recurrent upper abdominal pain, nausea, or confirmed stones on ultrasound.
Gallstones are the most common cause of gallbladder disease. Learn more about Gallbladder Disease in Sydney – Symptoms & Assessment.
What Causes Gallstones?
Gallstones form when bile contains too much cholesterol, bilirubin, or when the gallbladder does not empty efficiently.
Risk factors include:
• Obesity
• Female sex
• Increasing age
• Family history
• Rapid weight loss
• Pregnancy
• Certain metabolic conditions
Not everyone with risk factors will develop gallstones, and some patients develop stones without obvious risk factors.
Symptoms of Gallstones
Many gallstones cause no symptoms and are discovered incidentally on imaging.
When symptoms occur, they may include:
• Upper abdominal pain
• Pain after fatty meals
• Nausea or bloating
• Discomfort under the right rib cage
• Recurrent episodes of pain (biliary colic)
Symptomatic gallstones tend to recur and may increase in frequency over time.
For more information about gallstone-related pain, see our Biliary Colic in Sydney page.
When Do Gallstones Require Surgery?
Gallstones do not usually disappear on their own.
Surgery is typically recommended when gallstones cause:
• Recurrent biliary colic
• Acute cholecystitis
• Gallstone pancreatitis
• Bile duct obstruction
• Persistent upper abdominal symptoms
The standard treatment is laparoscopic gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy).
Learn more about laparoscopic gallbladder surgery (cholecystectomy) in Sydney.
Complications of Gallstones
Untreated symptomatic gallstones may lead to:
Acute Cholecystitis
Inflammation and infection of the gallbladder.
Cholangitis
Infection of the bile ducts.
Gallstone Pancreatitis
Inflammation of the pancreas due to blocked ducts.
Early specialist assessment reduces the risk of emergency surgery.
How Are Gallstones Diagnosed?
Gallstones are usually diagnosed with:
• Abdominal ultrasound
• Liver function blood tests
If bile duct stones are suspected, further imaging may be required.
Book a Consultation
If you have been diagnosed with gallstones or are experiencing upper abdominal pain, specialist assessment with Dr David Joseph can determine whether surgery is recommended.
Please call 02 9565 5514 to book. Urgent consultations are available.
Related Upper Gastrointestinal Conditions
Gallbladder disease may coexist with other abdominal wall or metabolic conditions that influence symptoms, surgical planning, and recovery.
Some patients may also require assessment for 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.
Gallstones FAQs
Can gallstones go away without surgery?
No. Gallstones usually remain and may cause recurrent symptoms.
Are all gallstones painful?
No. Some gallstones are asymptomatic and may not require treatment.
What is the best treatment for gallstones?
For symptomatic gallstones, laparoscopic gallbladder removal is the most reliable treatment.
Can gallstones return after gallbladder removal?
No. Once the gallbladder is removed, stones cannot reform.
