Gallstones are very common in Australia. Most patients with gallstones may not know they have them and may never need surgery for them if there have been no symptoms. If you have been diagnosed with gallstones, it will most likely be for one of the following two reasons:
- 1. You had symptoms or blood test results that made your doctor think you need further tests and this led to the scan that diagnosed your problem or….
- 2. Your gallstones were coincidentally found on a scan that was performed for another reason.
Regardless of how your gallstones were found, once you know they exist, you need to discuss this firstly with your GP and if she or he thinks it necessary, then a discussion with a surgeon who regularly deals with gallstones may be needed.
The following information explains the role of your gallbladder, what gallstones are, the possible symptoms gallstones can cause and the surgical treatment options available if required.