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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    How are Gallstones diagnosed?

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  • Mr Arul Suthananthan

    General Surgeon, Upper GI Surgeon (Abdominal)

    Mr Arul Edward Suthananthan is a specialist surgeon in liver transplant, hepato-pancreatico-biliary (HPB) and general surgery. He has expertise in open as well as advanced … View Profile

    Gallstone disease is usually diagnosed based on symptoms and imaging tests.

    Common diagnostic tests include:

    Ultrasound scan – the most common and accurate first test.

    Blood tests to check for infection, liver inflammation, or bile duct blockage.

    CT scan or MRI (including MRCP) in selected cases.

    Endoscopic procedures (ERCP) if stones are suspected in the bile duct.

    COMPLICATIONS

    If untreated, gallstones can lead to serious complications, including:

    Cholecystitis – inflammation or infection of the gallbladder.

    Bile duct obstruction – stones blocking bile flow.

    Pancreatitis – inflammation of the pancreas caused by migrating stones.

    Cholangitis – a serious bile duct infection.

    Rarely, gallbladder perforation.

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