Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid that can form in your gallbladder. Your gallbladder is a small organ on the right side of your abdomen, located just beneath your liver. The gallbladder holds a digestive fluid called bile that's released into your small intestine. There are two types of gallstones: cholesterol stones and pigment stones. Eighty percent of gallstones are cholesterol stones.

Gallstones range in size from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball. Some people develop just one gallstone, while others may develop as many as one hundred gallstones at the same time.

Gallstones are common in the United States. People who experience symptoms from their gallstones usually require gallbladder removal surgery. Gallstones that don't cause any signs and symptoms are called "silent stones" and typically don't need treatment.

Symptoms

• Gallstones may cause no signs or symptoms. If a gallstone lodges in a duct and causes a blockage, signs and symptoms may result, such as:
• Sudden and rapidly intensifying pain in the upper right portion of your abdomen
• Intolerance of fatty foods
• Indigestion
• Sudden and rapidly intensifying pain in the center of your abdomen, just below your breastbone
• Back pain between your shoulder blades
• Pain in your right shoulder

When to see a doctor

Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any signs or symptoms that worry you. Seek immediate care if you develop signs and symptoms of a serious gallstone complication, such as:

• Abdominal pain so intense that you can't sit still or find a comfortable position
• Yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes
• Clay colored stools
• High fever accompanied with chills

If you are experiencing symptoms such as this contact your physician as soon as possible. You can also call Digestive Disease Associates of the North Shore, S.C. for an appointment to schedule an exam.