Gallbladder Attack or Heartburn? Signs You May Need Gallbladder Surgery

Pain in your upper belly after a big or greasy meal is easy to blame on heartburn. But if the pain sits under your right ribs, lasts for an hour or more, or keeps coming back, your gallbladder may be the cause. Here's how to recognize a gallbladder attack and what treatment looks like.

What does the gallbladder do?

The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ under the liver. It stores bile, a fluid that helps digest fat. Problems start when hard deposits called gallstones form and block the flow of bile.

Signs of a gallbladder attack

• Sudden, steady pain in the upper right or center of the abdomen
• Pain that spreads to the right shoulder blade or back
• Pain that often starts after eating, especially fatty foods, and may last from 30 minutes to several hours
• Nausea or vomiting
• Bloating, gas or indigestion

How is gallbladder disease diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and may order an abdominal ultrasound, which is the most common test for gallstones. Blood tests or other imaging, such as a HIDA scan, may also be used.

Treatment: gallbladder removal

For people with gallstones that cause symptoms, the standard treatment is surgery to remove the gallbladder, called a cholecystectomy. You can live a normal life without a gallbladder, since bile flows directly from the liver to the intestine.

Most gallbladder surgeries today are done laparoscopically or robotically through a few small incisions. Many patients go home the same day.

What recovery looks like

• Many people return to light activities and desk work within about a week
• Walking helps recovery; heavy lifting is limited for a few weeks
• Some people notice looser stools for a while, which usually improves over time
• Your surgeon may suggest starting with smaller, lower-fat meals as you heal

This article is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you have symptoms, please see your healthcare provider.