Overview
Gallstones are hard deposits — usually of cholesterol — that form in the gallbladder. They affect around one in ten adults and become more common with age. Many cause no symptoms at all, but once symptoms begin they tend to recur and can lead to complications such as infection or pancreatitis.
Mr Peckham-Cooper provides rapid assessment of suspected gallstone disease at Spire Leeds and Spire Harrogate, with scans usually arranged within days of your enquiry.
Symptoms to look out for
Gallstones typically cause symptoms after eating, particularly fatty meals. Common presentations include:
- Severe, gripping pain in the upper right abdomen (biliary colic)
- Pain radiating through to the back or right shoulder blade
- Nausea, bloating and intolerance of fatty food
- Fever, jaundice or persistent pain — signs of complications needing urgent review
How gallstones are diagnosed
Diagnosis is usually straightforward, and in most cases the full pathway is completed within days through the rapid-access clinic.
- Consultation & examinationA detailed history and examination to characterise your pain and rule out other causes.
- Blood testsLiver function tests and inflammatory markers help detect blockage, infection or inflammation.
- Ultrasound scanA simple, painless scan — the gold-standard first test for gallstones — arranged rapidly at Spire.
Treatment options
Once gallstones cause symptoms, keyhole removal of the gallbladder (laparoscopic cholecystectomy) is the definitive treatment — it removes the stones and prevents recurrence. While awaiting surgery, dietary changes and pain relief can help manage attacks. Mr Peckham-Cooper will always discuss non-surgical options honestly where they are appropriate.
When to seek urgent help
Seek urgent medical attention if you develop constant severe abdominal pain, fever or shivering, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), or dark urine with pale stools. These can indicate infection or a blocked bile duct and need same-day assessment.