Gallstones

Diagnosis

Most gallstones do not show up on regular X-rays, but they are seen easily with an ultrasound. Gallstones are very common, but don't cause symptoms in most people. Even if you are found to have gallstones on an ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) scan, it may be difficult for your doctor to know if the stones are causing symptoms. If your symptoms are typical for gallstones, though, your doctor probably will recommend treatment.

If a stone is blocking drainage of bile, an ultrasound might show widened bile ducts. Your doctor may also order blood tests to evaluate injury to the liver and pancreas.

Expected Duration

Smaller gallstones sometimes float out of the gallbladder on their own and are eliminated from the body through the intestines. Gallstone attacks also can calm down on their own if the bothersome stones shift position within the gallbladder. However, the majority of people whose gallstones cause symptoms will require surgery to cure the problem and will continue to have symptoms until the gallbladder is removed. Even when gallstone attacks subside on their own, the symptoms will return within two years 70% of the time.