Gallbladder Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Gallbladder Disease?
A gastroenterologist (a digestive system doctor) or a general surgeon usually treats gallbladder disease. The main treatment for gallstones that cause symptoms is surgery to remove the gallbladder. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is gallbladder disease?
Gallbladder disease means a problem with the gallbladder, a small, pear-shaped organ that stores bile. Bile is a fluid your liver makes that helps with digestion.
Gallstones are a common gallbladder problem. They are hard, pebble-like pieces of material that form in the gallbladder, usually made of cholesterol or bilirubin.
Gallstones are very common, affecting 10 to 15 percent of people in the United States. Most do not cause blockages and are painless. These are called silent gallstones.
Symptoms
Many people with gallstones have no symptoms. A stone can block a duct that drains the gallbladder. Then you may have a cramping pain in the middle to right upper belly, called biliary colic. The pain goes away if the stone passes into the small intestine.
Symptoms of a blocked duct can include:
- Pain in the right upper or middle upper belly that lasts at least 30 minutes.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Fever.
- Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, called jaundice.
Causes and who gets it
There are two main types of gallstones. Cholesterol stones are usually yellow-green and made mostly of hardened cholesterol. Pigment stones are dark and made of bilirubin.
Some groups are more likely to get gallstones:
- Women. Extra estrogen from pregnancy, hormone replacement therapy, or birth control pills may add to the chance.
- Older people.
- People with a family history of gallstones.
- American Indians, who have the highest rate of gallstones in the United States, and Mexican Americans.
- People with obesity, especially women.
- People who lose weight fast, such as after weight-loss surgery.
- People whose diet is high in calories and refined carbohydrates and low in fiber.
Some health conditions also raise the risk. Examples are cirrhosis, a condition in which the liver slowly breaks down, diabetes and insulin resistance, and intestinal diseases that affect how nutrients are absorbed, such as Crohn's disease.
How doctors diagnose it
If you have no symptoms, gallstones may be found by chance on a scan or x-ray done for another reason.
Tests that find gallstones or gallbladder inflammation include an ultrasound of the belly, a CT scan, and other scans. Most cholesterol gallstones show up on an ultrasound but not on a CT scan.
Your provider may also order blood tests, such as bilirubin, liver function tests, and tests for the pancreas.
Treatment
If gallstones cause no symptoms, you might not need any treatment. Silent gallstones usually do not need medical treatment.
Most people who have symptoms will need surgery soon after the stone is found. Surgery removes the gallbladder, which is called a cholecystectomy. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the most common type. It uses small cuts, which allows a faster recovery. Nearly all people who have their gallbladder taken out do not have their symptoms return.
If a stone is in the common bile duct, you may have a procedure called ERCP to clear it. It uses a long, thin tube with a small camera that is passed through your mouth.
Other options are less common. Pills can dissolve cholesterol stones, but they may take 2 years or longer to work, and the stones may return.
While you wait for surgery, you may take pain medicine, avoid foods that cause symptoms, and be advised to eat a low-fat diet.
When to see a doctor
Ask for an urgent appointment or get medical help if you have belly pain that lasts longer than 30 minutes.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have:
- Sudden, severe belly pain.
- Pain that spreads from your belly to your back, along with vomiting.
- A very high temperature, or you feel hot, cold, or shivery.
- Skin or eyes that look yellow.
Do not drive yourself. Ask someone to drive you or call 911. If left untreated, gallstones can be deadly.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care doctor can listen to your symptoms, examine your belly, order blood tests and an ultrasound, and decide whether you need a surgeon. They can also refer you and help coordinate your care.
Common questions
Do gallstones always need to be removed?
No. Many people have gallstones with no symptoms. Silent gallstones usually do not need medical treatment. Surgery is the main treatment when gallstones cause symptoms.
What does a gallbladder attack feel like?
It feels like sudden pain in the upper right belly. This pain is called a gallbladder attack, or biliary colic. The pain can be severe and constant, and it can last longer than 30 minutes.
Are gallstones common?
Yes. Gallstones are very common, affecting 10 to 15 percent of people in the United States. About a quarter of people diagnosed each year will need treatment, usually surgery.
Can gallstones cause serious problems?
Serious problems are not common, but they can happen. A blockage can lead to inflammation of the gallbladder or the pancreas. Left untreated, gallstones can be deadly.
Can I prevent gallstones?
Usually not. In most people, gallstones can't be prevented. If you have obesity, avoiding rapid weight loss may help.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
