Gallstones are small, hard stones that form in the gallbladder. Many people have gallstones without symptoms, but if a stone moves and becomes trapped in a bile duct (tube connecting gallbladder and digestive tract), it can cause sudden, intense upper abdominal pain.
This condition and its complications fall under biliary disease – a group of disorders affecting the gallbladder and bile ducts.
At Leaders in Liver Health, our consultants diagnose and treat all forms of gallstone and biliary disease. We provide expert assessment, imaging, and management for patients experiencing abdominal pain, jaundice, or gallbladder inflammation.
Our clinic offers fast access to specialist-led investigations and coordinated surgical care when required.
The gallbladder stores bile -a digestive fluid produced by the liver. When the chemical balance of bile changes, solid particles can form and harden into gallstones.
Many gallstones remain harmless, but if they move into the bile ducts, they can obstruct bile flow, causing inflammation, infection, or jaundice.
If left untreated, biliary disease can lead to serious complications, including infection or liver damage.
Gallstones and biliary disorders can cause anything from mild discomfort to severe pain.
Severe pain, high temperature, or jaundice require urgent medical attention.
Getting diagnosed early reduces the risk of infection or more serious complications.
Our consultants use blood tests and the latest scans to confirm the presence and severity of gallstones or bile duct obstruction
Diagnostic Tests Include:
We provide same-day assessment and can arrange rapid referral for surgical or endoscopic treatment where necessary.
Treatment depends on the number and size of the stones, where they are locatedand the symptoms they cause
| Condition | Treatment Approach | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Silent gallstones | Observation and lifestyle advice | Prevent complications |
| Painful gallstones | Pain relief, dietary changes, surgical planning | Relieve symptoms |
| Gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis) | Antibiotics, fluid therapy, possible surgery | Resolve infection |
| Bile duct stones / obstruction | ERCP (endoscopic removal of stones) | Restore bile flow and relieve jaundice |
| Recurrent attacks | Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (keyhole gallbladder removal) | Prevent recurrence |
All patients receive assessment and ongoing review, FibroScan®, and tailored management and lifestyle advice.
Our leading consultants include:
Your journey at Leaders in Liver Health is designed for comfort, clarity, and confidence:
Our approach ensures clear diagnosis, effective relief, and long-term prevention.
Small gallstones may pass naturally, but most remain and can cause pain or complications. Ongoing symptoms often need treatment.
No. If you have no symptoms, surgery may not be necessary. Symptomatic or recurrent cases are usually treated by removing the gallbladder.
An ERCP is a procedure that uses a small camera and instruments (passed through the mouth) to remove gallstones from the bile ducts. It’s used when stones cause jaundice or infection.
Most people live normally without a gallbladder. The liver continues to produce bile for digestion.
Yes. Blocked bile ducts can lead to jaundice or liver inflammation if untreated.
Maintain a healthy weight, eat a balanced diet, and avoid crash dieting or high-fat meals.
If you’re experiencing abdominal pain, jaundice, or symptoms of gallstones, early specialist assessment can prevent complications.
Book an appointment with our consultant hepatology team in London today for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
