Also described as: “Pitte ki pathri”
Common symptoms
- Pain in the upper right abdomen after fatty meals
- Pain spreading to the back or right shoulder
- Nausea and vomiting
- Many people have no symptoms
See a doctor promptly if
- Fever with chills and jaundice
- Severe abdominal pain
- Yellow eyes or dark urine
Gallbladder stones
Stones found incidentally without symptoms often need no treatment. Stones that cause pain, infection or pancreatitis are usually treated by removing the gallbladder (laparoscopic cholecystectomy), done by a surgeon. Medicines to dissolve stones work only in a small group of patients and stones often return — so be cautious of “stone removal without surgery” claims.
Bile duct (CBD) stones
Stones that slip into the common bile duct can cause jaundice, infection (cholangitis) or pancreatitis. These can be removed without open surgery by ERCP.
How we can help
EUS – Endoscopic UltrasoundAn ultrasound probe on the tip of an endoscope gives close-up images of the pancreas, bile ducts and gut wall — and allows needle biopsies.
ERCPEndoscopic removal of bile duct stones and placement of stents to relieve jaundice caused by blockage — without open surgery.
Frequently asked questions
Stones in the gallbladder itself generally require surgery if they cause symptoms. Stones in the bile duct can be removed endoscopically by ERCP without surgery.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Shivam Kalia MBBS, MD (Medicine), DM (Gastroenterology) · Consultant Gastroenterologist & Hepatologist