Gallstone Symptoms: When Surgery Is Needed

Several conditions or situations may require surgery to remove the gallbladder. Surgery usually is needed when: Your gallbladder suddenly becomes inflamed or infected (cholecystitis). Gallstones cause repeated attacks of pain. You have growths called polyps in the gallbladder, usually larger than 0.4 in. (1 cm), that…

Gallstone Symptoms: When Surgery Is Needed

Topic Overview

Several conditions or situations may require surgery to remove the gallbladder. Surgery usually is needed when:

  • Your gallbladder suddenly becomes inflamed or infected (cholecystitis).
  • Gallstones cause repeated attacks of pain.
  • You have growths called polyps in the gallbladder, usually larger than 0.4 in. (1 cm), that are causing symptoms.
  • Gallstones cause inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).
  • A nonfunctioning gallbladder is causing symptoms.
  • The gallbladder wall has calcified (porcelain gallbladder).
  • You have gallstones and an impaired immune system.

Credits

Current as ofNovember 7, 2018

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson MD – Internal Medicine
Adam Husney MD – Family Medicine
Arvydas D. Vanagunas MD – Gastroenterology

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