Gallstones & Gallbladder Disease — treatment in Lahore
Also known as: Cholelithiasis · Biliary Stones · Gallbladder Stones
Gallstones are hardened deposits of bile components — typically cholesterol or pigment — that form in the gallbladder. They are very common, often silent, but can cause severe pain or infection when they obstruct bile flow.
Overview
Gallstones are common, often silent, but can cause severe right-upper-abdominal pain or lead to infection. We diagnose accurately and refer for surgery when appropriate, or manage medically.
Signs & symptoms of Gallstones & Gallbladder Disease
If you recognize one or more of these, it may be worth a consultation:
- Severe pain after fatty meals
- Right-upper-abdominal pain radiating to the back/shoulder
- Nausea, vomiting
- Fever (suggests infection)
Causes & risk factors
Several factors can contribute to Gallstones & Gallbladder Disease. Identifying yours guides the treatment plan.
- Female sex (especially with pregnancies)
- Age over 40
- Obesity
- Rapid weight loss (including post-GLP-1 therapy)
- Diabetes
- High-fat, low-fibre diet
- Family history
- Hemolytic disorders
How Gallstones & Gallbladder Disease is diagnosed
We order tests selectively — only what changes the plan.
- Abdominal ultrasound
- LFTs
- MRCP when bile duct stones suspected
Treatment options
Treatment for Gallstones & Gallbladder Disease is personalized — the right plan depends on your symptoms, test results, and life situation.
- 1 Watchful waiting if asymptomatic
- 2 Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic stones
- 3 ERCP for stones in the common bile duct
- 4 Antibiotics for acute cholecystitis
Can Gallstones & Gallbladder Disease be prevented?
Simple, evidence-based steps that reduce your risk.
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Avoid rapid weight loss diets
- Eat a fibre-rich, low-saturated-fat diet
- Stay physically active
When should you see a doctor about Gallstones & Gallbladder Disease?
Reach out without delay if you notice any of the following.
- Severe right-upper-abdominal pain after fatty meals
- Pain radiating to the back or right shoulder
- Fever with abdominal pain (emergency)
- Yellowing of eyes (suggests common bile duct stone)
Frequently asked questions about Gallstones & Gallbladder Disease
Do all gallstones need surgery? +
No. Silent (asymptomatic) gallstones found incidentally usually don't need treatment. Symptomatic stones — even one episode of biliary colic — generally warrant cholecystectomy because of high recurrence risk.
Can I dissolve gallstones with medication? +
Only certain small cholesterol stones in selected patients can be dissolved with ursodeoxycholic acid, and the process takes 1–2 years with high recurrence. Surgery is more reliable.
Will GLP-1 drugs increase my gallstone risk? +
Yes — rapid weight loss from any cause, including GLP-1 therapy, increases gallstone formation. We monitor for symptoms during weight-loss programs.
Related services
How we treat Gallstones & Gallbladder Disease at Javaid Poly Clinic.
Useful self-check tools
Free, evidence-based — try them before your visit.
Dr Usman Javaid
Gastroenterology & Medicine Diplomat · DIP (Gastro) UK · DIP (Hepatology) UK · DIP (Diabetes) UK · MCPS FM-TC · MPH · FRSPH (UK) · FRCP (Colombo) · Organ Transplant Advisor · CHPE (NUMS) · Preventive Medicine Specialist · Owner of Javaid Poly Clinic.
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Usman Javaid on . Content is updated when new evidence or guidelines emerge.
Medical disclaimer: This page is for educational purposes and does not replace medical consultation. If you have symptoms of Gallstones & Gallbladder Disease or any other condition, please book a consultation. In emergencies, call 1122 or visit your nearest emergency department.