Written and reviewed by Dr Ali Zad, FRACP gastroenterologist, Brisbane. Last reviewed November 2026 against current Australian and international guidelines. General information only, not a substitute for personal medical advice.
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What are the symptoms of gallstones?
Many gallstones cause no symptoms. When they do, the typical symptom is biliary colic: severe, steady pain in the upper right or middle abdomen, often after a fatty meal, lasting 30 minutes to several hours.
When are gallstones an emergency?
Seek urgent care for pain lasting more than a few hours, fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine or pale stools, as these can mean infection, a blocked bile duct or pancreatitis.
How are gallstones treated?
Gallstones that cause symptoms are usually treated by removing the gallbladder with keyhole surgery. Stones blocking the bile duct can be removed with an endoscopic procedure called ERCP.
Related procedures and information
Book an appointment
If you have symptoms of gallstones, see your GP or book a consultation with gastroenterologist Dr Ali Zad on (07) 2111 2600 or request an appointment online. You can book directly; a GP referral is needed for a Medicare rebate.
Dr Zad consults and performs procedures across Brisbane and Moreton Bay: Brisbane City and Spring Hill, North Lakes, Caboolture, Everton Park, Taringa and Redcliffe and Kippa-Ring.
