What should you know about asymptomatic cholelithiasis?

A clinician considers how the stones were found, your medical history and whether you have had any previous biliary symptoms before recommending a plan.

Cholelithiasis is the medical term for stones in the gallbladder. They are often noticed incidentally during an ultrasound or other scan performed for an unrelated reason. If there has been no typical episode of steady upper abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting linked to the stones, they may be described as asymptomatic.

Gallstones can remain quiet, but they can also move and obstruct the drainage channels from the gallbladder or pancreas. This can lead to gallbladder inflammation, jaundice or pancreatitis. Indigestion alone is not specific to gallstones, so other explanations may need consideration.

Arrange a routine review so a clinician can confirm whether the imaging finding fits your history. Bring the scan report and mention any earlier attacks of pain beneath the right ribs or in the upper abdomen, especially pain occurring after meals or spreading to the back or shoulder.

When gallstones are genuinely symptom-free, watchful follow-up is often appropriate. Avoiding extreme or rapid weight-loss approaches may reduce avoidable strain on the gallbladder. There is no need to remove all dietary fat unless a clinician or dietitian has advised this for another reason.

Seek prompt assessment for new or persistent upper abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, fever, chills, yellowing of the eyes or skin, pale stools or dark urine. Severe pain, confusion, fainting or difficulty keeping fluids down warrants urgent medical care. These features can indicate obstruction, infection or pancreatic inflammation rather than an incidental finding.

Ask whether your previous symptoms could have come from the gallbladder, whether the report shows inflammation or a blocked duct, and what changes should trigger another review. If surgery is being discussed, clarify the reason, expected benefit, alternatives and the recovery involved in your circumstances.