Symptoms:

There are usually no symptoms. Gallstones are usually discovered when having a routine x-ray, abdominal surgery, or other medical procedure.

Symptoms usually occur if a large stone blocks the cystic duct or the common bile duct. The cystic duct drains fluid from the the gallbladder into the the common bile duct, which is the main duct draining into the duodenum. Together, these ducts form part of the biliary system.

A stone blocking the opening from the gallbladder or cystic duct usually produces a cramping pain in the middle to right upper abdomen. This is known as biliary colic. The pain goes away if the stone passes into the first part of the small intestine (the duodenum). Acute cholecystitis occurs if the stone does not pass into the duodenum.

If the common bile duct is blocked for a long period of time, pancreatitis or cholangitis may result.

Symptoms that may occur include:

• Abdominal pain in the right upper or middle upper abdomen:
  • May be recurrent
  • May be sharp, cramping, or dull
  • May spread to the back or below the right shoulder blade
  • May be made worse by fatty or greasy foods
  • Occurs within minutes of a meal
• Fever
• Yellowing of skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease include:

• Abdominal fullness
• Clay-colored stools
• Excess gas
• Heartburn
• Indigestion
• Nausea and vomiting

It is important to see a doctor if you have symptoms of gallstones. Gallstones are found in many people with gallbladder cancer.

Signs and tests:

Tests used to detect gallstones or gallbladder inflammation include:

• Abdominal ultrasound
• Abdominal CT scan
• Abdominal x-ray
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
• Gallbladder radionuclide scan
• Oral cholecystogram

This disease may also alter the results of the following tests:

• Abdominal MRI
• Fecal fat
• Urine bilirubin