Gallstones
If gallstones were found during a health checkup – when to monitor and when to have surgery.
Gallstones that cause no symptoms are usually monitored.
Gallstones discovered incidentally during a health check ultrasound are common, and if there are no symptoms, they are usually monitored without treatment.
- Cases where treatment (surgery) is considered: When gallstone attacks with severe pain in the upper right abdomen or epigastric region after eating fatty foods occur repeatedly, when complications such as cholecystitis or pancreatitis develop, or when abnormalities in the gallbladder wall or large polyps are present.
- Surgery is typically performed using laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and in most cases, daily life and digestion are not significantly affected even without the gallbladder.
Source: 질병관리청 국가건강정보포털 · as of 2026-08-13
This is an emergency situation.
If you experience right upper abdominal pain that lasts for several hours, accompanied by fever or chills, jaundice (yellowing of the whites of your eyes and skin), or dark brown urine, it could indicate cholecystitis or cholangitis, and you should go to a hospital (emergency room) immediately. Cholangitis is an emergency condition that can become dangerous quickly.
Frequently asked questions
Can gallstones be dissolved with medication?
While dissolving agents are sometimes used for small cholesterol gallstones, their effectiveness is limited, the process takes a long time, and recurrence is common. Therefore, surgery is the standard treatment for symptomatic gallstones.
Does removing the gallbladder cause digestive problems?
After surgery, you may experience diarrhea with oily foods, but in most cases, the body adapts within a few months. It is best to start with a low-fat diet and gradually increase the amount of fat consumed.
Sources for this page
· 질병관리청 국가건강정보포털 (as of 2026-08-13)Last checked: 2026년 8월 13일
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