Gallstones Treatment & Gallbladder Removal (Cholecystectomy) in Glasgow

Fast, Specialist Care for Gallstone Pain

Gallstones are a common condition that can cause sudden, severe abdominal pain—often without warning. While some people have no symptoms, others experience recurring attacks that interfere with daily life and may require surgery.

At Glasgow Surgery, we provide rapid access to expert assessment and minimally invasive (keyhole) gallbladder removal, helping you get back to normal as quickly as possible.

What Are Gallstones?

Gallstones are small, hardened deposits that form in the gallbladder—a small organ beneath the liver that stores bile to help digest fats which can vary in size from tiny grains to larger stones and may:

• Cause no symptoms at all

• Block bile ducts and trigger pain

• Lead to complications such as infection or inflammation

Common Symptoms of Gallstones

You may need specialist assessment if you experience:

• Sudden, intense pain in the upper abdomen (biliary colic)

• Pain spreading to the back or right shoulder

• Nausea or vomiting

• Symptoms after eating fatty foods

• Recurrent episodes of pain

When to seek urgent medical advice:

• Pain lasting more than a few hours

• Fever or chills

• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)

When Is Treatment Needed?

Not all gallstones require treatment. However, surgery is usually recommended if you have:

• Recurrent pain (biliary colic)

• Gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis)

• Complications such as infection or jaundice

Delaying treatment can lead to more serious problems—early assessment is important.

Gallstones Treatment Options

1. Monitoring (if no symptoms)

If gallstones are found incidentally and not causing symptoms, treatment may not be required.

2. Surgical Treatment (Definitive Solution)

The most effective treatment for symptomatic gallstones is gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) and in almost all cases this is done by Laparoscopic Gallbladder Removal (Keyhole Surgery). At Glasgow Surgery, we specialise in laparoscopic cholecystectomy, a minimally invasive procedure. Provided by an expert Specialist Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeon

What this means for you:

• Small incisions (keyhole surgery)

• Less pain after surgery

• Faster recovery

• Minimal scarring

• Short hospital stay (often same day or overnight)

The procedure:

• The gallbladder is removed using a camera and specialised instruments

• The bile duct system remains intact

• Digestion continues normally for most people

Typical recovery timeline:

• Same day / next day discharge

• Return to normal activities: within a few days

• Return to work: 1–2 weeks (depending on job type)

After surgery:

• Most people eat normally without issues

• Some may notice mild temporary digestive changes

• Long-term lifestyle is usually unaffected

Life Without a Gallbladder

After surgery, bile flows directly from the liver into the intestine rather than being stored in the gallbladder.

For most patients:

• Digestion remains normal

• No long-term dietary restrictions are required

• Quality of life improves significantly once pain is resolved

Why Choose Glasgow Surgery?

Choosing the right specialist matters.

We offer:

• Consultant-led care from and expert specialist Upper GI Surgeon

• Expertise in high-volume laparoscopic procedures

• Rapid access to consultation and treatment

• Treatment at a leading private hospital in Glasgow

• A focus on safe, effective, and minimally invasive surgery

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all gallstones need surgery?

No. Only symptomatic gallstones usually require treatment.

Is gallbladder removal safe?

Yes. It is a routine and commonly performed procedure with a high success rate.

Will I need to change my diet?

Most people return to a normal diet after recovery.

How long will I be off work?

Typically 1–2 weeks, depending on your job.

What happens if I delay surgery?

Symptoms may worsen and complications can develop, including infection or blockage. If you are experiencing recurrent infections (cholecystitis) inflammation can make for more challenging surgery.

Book a Consultation

If you’re experiencing gallstone symptoms, early treatment can prevent complications and relieve pain quickly.