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Gallstones Treatment in London
Symptoms, Surgery & Recovery
Gallstones are one of the most common digestive conditions seen in the UK. Many people may never realise they have them, while others develop painful attacks, infections, jaundice, or complications that require surgery.
This guide explains:
- What gallstones are
- Common symptoms
- When gallstones become dangerous
- How gallstones are diagnosed
- Treatment options
- Recovery after gallbladder surgery
Specialist Gallstones Treatment in London – Mr Ash Rohatgi
Ash Rohatgi is a Consultant Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeon in London, specialising in laparoscopic and robotic treatment for gallstones and gallbladder disease.
His practice includes:
- symptomatic gallstones
- biliary colic
- acute cholecystitis
- gallstone pancreatitis
- bile duct stones
- jaundice and cholangitis
Each patient undergoes a detailed assessment to determine whether surgery is required and which minimally invasive approach is most appropriate.
What Are Gallstones?
Gallstones are small hardened deposits that form inside the gallbladder.
The gallbladder is a small organ located beneath the liver that stores bile, a digestive fluid that helps break down fats.
Gallstones can range from tiny grains to larger stones and may develop individually or in clusters.
The most common types are:
- Cholesterol stones – the most common form
- Pigment stones – sometimes linked to blood disorders or infection
- Mixed stones
Gallstones are extremely common, particularly in women. In fact, around:
- 1 in 8 men
- Nearly 1 in 4 women
may develop gallstones during their lifetime.
However, not everyone with gallstones develops symptoms or requires treatment.
What Does the Gallbladder Do?
The gallbladder stores bile produced by the liver and releases it after eating, especially after fatty meals.
Problems begin when a gallstone blocks the normal flow of bile. This can trigger pain, inflammation, infection, or blockage of nearby ducts.
Gallstone Symptoms
Many people with gallstones have no symptoms at all.
When symptoms do occur, the most common presentation is known as biliary colic — a painful gallstone attack.
Symptoms of Gallstones Can Include:
- Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen
- Pain after eating fatty foods
- Pain spreading to the back or right shoulder
- Nausea or bloating
- Indigestion or upper abdominal discomfort
Gallstone pain often lasts between 45 minutes and several hours.
Despite the term “biliary colic”, the pain is often steady and intense rather than cramping.
What Happens if Gallstones Are Left Untreated?
Symptoms, Risks and Complications
Gallstones are a common condition affecting the gallbladder. Many people may have gallstones without ever developing symptoms, and not all patients require surgery.
However, once gallstones begin to cause symptoms or complications, leaving them untreated can lead to increasingly serious problems, ranging from recurrent pain to life-threatening infection or pancreatitis.
When Gallstones Become Serious?
Gallstones can sometimes lead to more serious complications that require urgent treatment.
Acute cholecystitis occurs when a gallstone blocks the gallbladder and causes inflammation or infection.
- Constant abdominal pain
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Pain under the ribs on the right side
- Feeling unwell
- Tenderness when examined
Sometimes a gallstone moves into the bile duct and blocks bile drainage from the liver.
This can cause:
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin
- Fever
- Pale stools
- Itching
This is known as obstructive jaundice.
If the blocked bile duct becomes infected, patients can develop ascending cholangitis, a potentially serious condition.
Typical symptoms include:
- Fever
- Abdominal pain
- Jaundice
This combination is classically known as Charcot’s Triad.
Severe cholangitis can become life-threatening without prompt treatment.
Gallstones can also temporarily block the pancreatic duct and trigger inflammation of the pancreas.
This is known as gallstone pancreatitis.
Symptoms may include:
- Severe upper abdominal pain
- Pain radiating through to the back
- Vomiting
- Severe inflammation
How Are Gallstones Diagnosed?
Gallstones are usually diagnosed using:
- Symptoms and medical history
- Physical examination
- Blood tests
- Imaging scans
Ultrasound Scan for Gallstones
An ultrasound scan is the most common test used to diagnose gallstones.
It can identify:
- Gallstones inside the gallbladder
- Gallbladder inflammation
- Thickening of the gallbladder wall
- Enlargement of the bile duct
- Sludge or grit within the gallbladder
Ultrasound is quick, painless, and highly effective for detecting gallstones.
MRCP Scan
MRCP is a specialised MRI scan used to look at the bile ducts and pancreas in greater detail.
It is particularly useful for:
- Detecting bile duct stones
- Investigating jaundice
- Planning surgery
MRCP is non-invasive and highly accurate.
ERCP
ERCP is an endoscopic procedure used to diagnose and treat bile duct stones.
It can :
- Remove stones
- Relieve bile duct blockage
- Treat cholangitis
ERCP can be extremely effective, although it does carry risks such as pancreatitis.
Gallstones Treatment in London
Do All Gallstones Need Treatment?
No.
Many people have gallstones without symptoms and never require surgery.
Treatment is usually recommended when gallstones cause:
- Recurrent pain
- Infection
- Jaundice
- Pancreatitis
- Repeated gallbladder attacks
- Reduced quality of life
Gallbladder Removal Surgery
Cholecystectomy
Benefits of Laparoscopic Gallbladder Surgery
- Smaller scars
- Less pain
- Faster recovery
- Shorter hospital stay
- Faster return to work and normal life
Most gallbladder operations are now completed laparoscopically and many patients go home the same day.
Robotic Gallbladder Surgery
In selected cases, robotic-assisted surgery may provide additional precision during minimally invasive gallbladder surgery.
Ash Rohatgi performs advanced laparoscopic and robotic upper GI surgery in London using modern minimally invasive techniques.
Laparoscopic Gallbladder Surgery
Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is the standard minimally invasive treatment for symptomatic gallstones, performed through small incisions to reduce pain, scarring, and recovery time.
Recovery After Gallbladder Surgery
Most patients recover quickly after laparoscopic gallbladder surgery.
Typical recovery includes:
- Going home the same day or the following morning
- Returning to light activity within days
- Full recovery within around 2 weeks
Some temporary bloating or shoulder discomfort can occur after surgery due to the gas used during laparoscopy.
Most people can return to a normal diet after recovery without major long-term dietary restrictions.
Book a consultation
Ash Rohatgi is a Consultant Upper GI Surgeon in London with expertise in:
- Gallstones
- Gallbladder surgery
- Laparoscopic surgery
- Robotic surgery
- Bile duct stone management
- Complex upper gastrointestinal conditions
Mr Ash's approach
- Minimally invasive techniques
- Safe evidence-based care
- Faster recovery
- Personalised treatment planning
- Clear communication throughout the patient journey
