SYMPTOMS, DIAGNOSTICS & TREATMENT OF
Gallstones
SYMPTOMS, DIAGNOSTICS & TREATMENT OF
Gallstones
PRIVATE GALLBLADDER Diagnosis & Surgery
Gallstones are a common cause of abdominal pain, often triggered by eating and sometimes severe enough to disrupt daily life.Â
Many patients choose private gallbladder removal surgery to access prompt specialist care and avoid ongoing symptoms of complications
Condition
What are Gallstones?
Gallstones are small stones that form in the gallbladder underneath the liver on the right side of the abdomen.
Why do gallstones form?
An imbalance of bile or a gallbladder emptying problem. Can be related to diet, weight change, or hormones.
Do THE TYPE AND SIZE OF GALLSTONES MATTER?
No.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Gallstones
Gallstones are often silent. When symptoms occur, they are usually distinctive
Pain
- Upper right abdomen
- Under the ribs
- After eating
- Worse after fatty meals
Nature of pain
- Sudden onset
- Steady (not cramping)
- Severe
- Minutes to hours
Associated symptoms
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Indigestion
Warning Signs
If you are experiencing any of the following warning signs, you may require urgent medical attention.
- Fever
- Jaundice
- Persistant Pain
- Ongoing vomiting
Advice
Diet & Lifestyle with Gallstones
Diet can help reduce symptoms, particularly while waiting for surgery.
Fatty foods stimulate the gallbladder to contract. When gallstones are present, this can trigger pain.
Food to limit
- Fatty foods
- Fried foods
- Processed foods
- Cream / butter
- Rich sauces
Recommended approach
- Low-fat diet
- Smaller portions
- Regular meals
- Balanced foods
Weight loss Injections & Gallstones
Weight loss injections such as Mounjaro are increasingly used and can be highly effective.
There is evidence that this group of treatments is associated with a higher risk of gallbladder problems, including gallstones and gallbladder inflammation. This is thought to relate to:
- Rapid weight loss
- Reduced gallbladder emptying
If you have gallstones:
- Use with caution
- Monitor for sympoms
- Seek specialist advice
If you have known gallstones or develop symptoms, this should be reviewed before starting or continuing treatment, to ensure it is safe and appropriate for you.
Mr Peter Asaad is here to support you. Book a consultation to discuss your concerns.Â
Diagnostics
Gallstones Diagnosis & Tests
Gallstones are diagnosed through a combination of clinical assessment, blood tests, and imaging.
- Review of symptoms
- Physical examination
- Blood Investigations
- Fast and non-invasive
- Confirms gallstones
- Assesses inflammation
- MRCP when required
- Assesses bile ducts
- Detects hidden stones
Private Diagnosis Pathway
Mr Peter Asaad is a Consultant General and Colorectal Surgeon with over 17 years’ experience in the NHS. A typical private diagnosis of Gallstones under his care involves:
- Initial assessment
- Targeted investigations
- Ultrasound arranged
- Rapid review of results
- Personalised treatment plan
If gallstones are confirmed and symptoms are consistent, surgery can be arranged without unnecessary delay.
Do you need surgery?
Not all gallstones require treatment. The decision to proceed with surgery depends on your symptoms, overall health, and the balance of risks and benefits.
Assessment:
- SymptomsÂ
- Complications
- Fitness
- Patient wishes
In some cases, even with symptoms, surgery may not be appropriate if the risks from other medical conditions are too high. In these situations, a conservative approach may be advised.
Surgery is usually recommended if:
- Recurrent painÂ
- Typical gallstone symptomsÂ
- Previous complications (e.g. infection, pancreatitis, jaundice)Â
- Symptoms affecting quality of life
Treatment
Gallbladder Surgery
What does gallbladder surgery involve?
Gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) is the definitive treatment for symptomatic gallstones. It is a commonly performed operation with a high success rate.
Surgery is recommended to treat symptoms, prevent further attacks, and reduce the risk of more serious problems, such as:
- Infection of the gallbladderÂ
- Blockage of the bile ducts (causing jaundice)Â
- Inflammation of the pancreasÂ
The operation is performed using a keyhole (laparoscopic) approach, through small incisions in the abdomen. The gallbladder is removed under general anaesthetic, without the need for a large cut.
Benefits of keyhole surgery
- Smaller scars
- Less pain
- Faster recovery
- A shorter hospital stay
Risks of Gallbladder Surgery
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Bile leak
- Injury to bile duct
- Injury to surrounding structures
- Temporary changes in digestion
The above represents only a selection of potential risks and complications. A comprehensive discussion, tailored to your individual circumstances, will take place during your consultation.
How to prepare for Gallbladder Surgery
Preparation for gallbladder surgery is straightforward and helps reduce the risk of symptoms before your operation.
A low-fat diet is usually recommended in the lead-up to surgery, as this reduces stimulation of the gallbladder and helps minimise further attacks.
The timing of surgery depends on your individual situation and the type of problem the gallstones have caused. In general, surgery is arranged as soon as it is safe and appropriate to do so.
You will undergo a pre-operative assessment, including blood tests and review of your overall fitness for surgery. Clear instructions will be provided regarding eating, drinking, and medications before the procedure.
Preparation is tailored to you and will be discussed in detail during your consultation.
Costs of Private Gallstone Removal
The cost of private gallbladder surgery can vary depending on your individual circumstances and the hospital where the procedure is performed.
Using private medical insurance
If you have private medical insurance, treatment is often covered.
I am recognised by major UK insurers, including:
- BUPA
- WPA
- Aviva
- AXA
- Vitality
- Healix
- Cigna
You will usually require:
- A referral from your GPÂ
- Pre-authorisation from your insurerÂ
It is advisable to check directly with your insurer to confirm your level of cover.
Self-pay patients
For patients funding their own treatment, costs are typically provided as a package price by the hospital.
This usually includes:
- Hospital feesÂ
- Theatre and nursing costsÂ
- Anaesthetist feesÂ
- Surgeon fees
- Standard aftercareÂ
Pricing can vary between hospitals, so the most accurate way to obtain a quote is to contact the hospital directly, where a tailored estimate can be provided.
Payment options
Some hospitals offer flexible payment plans, allowing costs to be spread over time.
These options can change, so it is best to check directly with the hospital for the most up-to-date information.
About
Mr Peter Asaad
Mr Peter Asaad is a Consultant General and Colorectal Surgeon with over 17 years’ experience in the NHS.
He specialises in colorectal surgery and the treatment of bowel conditions, alongside common general surgical problems such as hernias and gallstones. His practice includes advanced keyhole techniques for colorectal cancer and the management of conditions such as haemorrhoids, fissures and fistulas.
He sees patients within Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Trust and privately across Manchester and Cheshire.
Mr Asaad provides clear, pragmatic advice and a straightforward approach to treatment, ensuring patients understand their options and can proceed with confidence.
testimonials
What Patients Say
Frequently Asked Questions
These are some of the most common questions patients ask about gallstones and gallbladder surgery. As new questions arise, this section will be updated to provide clear and relevant information.
Usually in the upper right abdomen, just under the ribs. It may spread to the back or right shoulder.
Pain is often triggered by eating, particularly fatty meals, which stimulate the gallbladder to contract.
No. Gallstones that are not causing symptoms usually do not require treatment. Surgery is typically recommended once symptoms develop.
Yes. The liver continues to produce bile, and most people live normally without long-term dietary restrictions.
Not typically. They are more commonly associated with pain, bloating, and digestive discomfort.
Gallstones affect the digestive system and cause upper abdominal pain. Kidney stones affect the urinary system and typically cause pain in the side or back.
Weight loss injections such as Mounjaro may be associated with a higher risk of gallbladder problems. If you have gallstones or develop symptoms, specialist advice is recommended before starting or continuing treatment.
Surgery is performed to treat symptoms, prevent further attacks, and reduce the risk of complications such as infection, jaundice, or inflammation of the pancreas.
Most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort, which is well controlled with simple pain relief.
Most people return to normal activities within 2–4 weeks, with full recovery by 4–6 weeks.
Driving is usually possible within 1–2 weeks once you can perform an emergency stop safely. Return to work depends on the nature of your job, and heavy lifting should be avoided for around 6 weeks.
Most people return to a normal diet. Some may notice temporary digestive changes, which usually settle over time.
Some patients experience looser stools after surgery. This is usually temporary and settles over time. Persistent symptoms are uncommon and can be managed if needed.
Removing the gallbladder is a very effective treatment, as it removes the source of gallstones.
Without a gallbladder, you will not develop stones within it again. In rare cases, stones can still form in the bile ducts, but this is uncommon.
For many patients, private surgery offers faster access to treatment, reducing the risk of further attacks while waiting. It also allows for consultant-led care throughout, with continuity from initial consultation through to surgery and follow-up, and a more streamlined, personalised experience.