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EMIS Frequently Asked Questions about Gallstones
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| Q |
 Are gallstones hereditary? |
| Answer | Yes, but they are also very common. There is no benefit is screening the population for gallstones, but to treat individuals appropriately once diagnosed. |
| Q |
Can gallstones be treated with antibiotics? |
| Answer | Yes and no. Antibiotics can temporarily reduce gallbladder inflammation and prevent some of the more serious complications from occurring in the short-term. However, the gallstones and chronic inflammation remain, and the symptoms will flair up again after a period of time, and may be more intense. We would therefore recommend keyhole surgery as soon as possible. There is no place for long-term antibiotics. |
| Q |
Why are symptoms made worse by fatty foods? |
| Answer | The presence of fat-rich foods in the stomach and duodenum causes the release of gut hormones, which cause the gallbladder to contract and expel the bile. However, if the gallbladder contains stones of is inflamed this exacerbates the symptoms of pain, particularly if a stone is forced into the cystic duct (biliary colic). We therefore recommend a low fat diet until keyhole surgery has been performed. |
| Q |
What should I do if I think I have gallstones? |
| Answer | See your GP in the first instance. He or she will assess you, and either arrange some preliminary investigations or refer you directly to a Consultant Upper GI Surgeon. |
| Q |
Can I ask my surgeon about his or her conversion and bile duct injury rate? |
| Answer | Yes. |
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