Gallstones

Gallstones are small stones that form in the gallbladder. Many people have them without symptoms, but they can sometimes block bile flow and cause pain, infection, or inflammation. If treatment is needed it is usually surgery.

The information on this page is for:

Adults and children with gallstones or suspected gallstones.
Family, friends, carers, and healthcare professionals.

Gallstones are a common condition. In the UK up to 1 in 4 adults may have gallstones. But for many people they do not cause symptoms and are not a problem.

Gallstones can cause pain if they block the flow of bile out of the gallbladder. They can sometimes cause inflammation or infection.

In some cases the pain can come on suddenly and be very severe.

If gallstones are not causing a problem, then it is often safest to leave them alone. If they cause pain or problems, doctors can treat them with surgery.

Gallstones are not very common in children. They are usually caused by other liver or bile duct conditions. But can sometimes happen on their own.

Quick Summary

Gallstones:

are a common condition
are more common in people who:
- are women
- are overweight
- are over 40
- have some other medical conditions
can sometimes cause pain, inflammation or infection
can be diagnosed using blood tests and imaging tests
might not need treatment
can be treated with surgical procedures

Find out more about gallstones using the links below.

Find out more

What causes gallstones?

Information for adults

Signs and symptoms

Tests

Treatment

Living with gallstones

Information for children and families

Gallstones in children

Useful words

Cholecystectomy – An operation to remove the gallbladder

Cholecystitis – inflammation in the gallbladder

Cholelithiasis – a medical term for gallstones

ERCP – A type of endoscopy used to treat some complications of gallstones. Stands for: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

Pancreatitis – inflammation of the pancreas.

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This content was last reviewed: June 2026

Our expert reviewers:

We would like to thank everyone who helped with creating and reviewing this page. Including Professor Stephen Ryder, consultant hepatologist at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS trust. And all our patient reviewers.

Find out how we make our patient information.

Everyone’s experience of liver disease will be different. Always talk to your specialist medical team for personal advice.