Why do gallstones occur?
Gallstones form in the gallbladder. The stones can cause gallstone colic with pain under the right rib cage, possibly radiating to the back. Nausea and vomiting may be associated with the colic.
Gallstones are caused by an imbalance in the bile's content of cholestorol, calcium and bile dyes. The stones can vary greatly in appearance and size - from a few millimeters (called gravel) to stones that fill the entire gallbladder. Gallstones can cause complications such as gallbladder inflammation. In addition, they can also cause blockage of the bile ducts with subsequent development of jaundice and risk of inflammation of the bile ducts and liver.
Gallstone treatment
Treatment for recurrent gallstone pain is most commonly surgery. Since gallstones almost always form in the gallbladder itself, the surgeon removes the entire gallbladder and not just the stones. This prevents new gallstones from forming. Only in very rare cases can stones form in the bile ducts themselves.