Gallstones Without Symptoms: When Surgery Is Needed

Experts disagree about whether the gallbladder should be removed for Reference gallstones Opens New Window that do not cause symptoms. Surgery may be needed if you have:

• Reference Sickle cell disease Opens New Window.
• Plans to get an Reference organ transplant Opens New Window (such as a heart or kidney).
• A high risk of gallbladder cancer (for example, if you are a Pima Indian, have a very large gallstone, or have a calcified gallbladder).

Doctors sometimes recommend surgery for women who are trying to get pregnant. This may be true for a woman who has had symptoms in the past that are believed to be caused by gallstones, and the woman and her doctor are concerned that her symptoms may get worse during pregnancy. They may choose to do surgery to prevent any possible complications, especially if the woman's pregnancy is likely to be high-risk because of other problems.

Most doctors do not recommend that people with Reference diabetes Opens New Window have surgery for gallstones that do not cause symptoms. The risk of surgery in people who have diabetes may be higher than the risk of a gallstone attack. Surgery is recommended after the first occurrence of symptoms.

The gallbladder may be removed during Reference bariatric surgery Opens New Window, even in people who haven't had a problem with gallstones.

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.