The short answer
Not always. Gallstones found by chance on a scan that cause no symptoms usually need no treatment at all. Removal of the gallbladder (laparoscopic cholecystectomy) is usually advised once the stones cause pain attacks or complications such as inflammation, jaundice or pancreatitis.
Book gallbladder removal, from ₦750,000Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Silent gallstones
Gallstones are often found on an abdominal ultrasound done for something else, such as a pregnancy scan, fibroids or a general check. If you have never had the typical pain, and the scan shows a normal gallbladder wall and normal bile ducts, guidelines advise reassurance and no operation. Most people with silent stones never develop problems.
If someone recommends surgery for stones that have never caused symptoms, it is reasonable to ask why, and to get a second opinion.
What gallstone pain feels like
Biliary colic is a strong, steady pain in the upper right or middle of the tummy, sometimes going through to the back or right shoulder. It often comes on after a meal, especially a fatty one such as fried food, suya or heavy stew, and lasts from about half an hour to several hours. Many people vomit. It is often mistaken for 'ulcer' or indigestion.
Bloating, belching and general indigestion on their own are not reliable gallstone symptoms. Removing the gallbladder may not fix them, which is why the surgeon will ask carefully about your pain.
When removal is usually advised
- Repeated attacks of biliary colic
- An inflamed gallbladder (cholecystitis): constant pain, fever and tenderness
- A stone that has moved into the bile duct, causing jaundice
- Pancreatitis caused by gallstones
- Some special situations your surgeon may discuss, such as a very thick gallbladder wall or a polyp of a certain size
Go to an emergency department now if
- Your eyes or skin turn yellow, or your urine turns dark like Coke
- You have tummy pain with a high temperature and shivering
- Severe pain lasts more than a few hours or keeps getting worse
- Pain goes through to your back with repeated vomiting
Why waiting after attacks is not a good plan
Once stones have caused pain, further attacks are common, and some people go on to the complications above, which can mean an emergency admission. Diet changes can reduce attacks but do not dissolve stones. Herbal 'gallbladder flushes' do not remove stones. Planned keyhole removal is usually a short stay, with most people back to normal activities in about two weeks.
What it costs on Mezo
One night in hospital included.
Common questions
Can gallstones dissolve with lemon, apple juice or herbs?
No. 'Liver flushes' do not dissolve gallstones, and the lumps people pass after them are usually soap-like clumps formed from the oil. There is a tablet that slowly dissolves certain small stones, but it rarely suits people and stones often return when it stops.
My scan says 'gallbladder sludge'. Do I need surgery?
Sludge without symptoms usually needs no operation. If you have typical pain attacks, a surgeon will assess you and may advise removal.
Can I live without a gallbladder?
Yes. Your liver still makes bile, which drips straight into the gut. Most people eat normally afterwards.
How much is gallbladder removal on Mezo?
Gallbladder removal is from ₦750,000. A written all-in quote follows the surgeon's assessment, and you pay online.
The procedures
Related health guides
More patient guides
Sources and further reading
The guidelines and patient information this page is checked against. Care in Nigeria follows the same evidence; what differs is the price and where it is done.
- Gallstone disease: diagnosis and management. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Clinical guideline.
- Gallstones. NHS. Patient information.
Links last checked 22 October 2026.
Medical disclaimer: This guide is general information and does not replace advice from your own doctor. Where your centre's instructions differ from this guide, follow theirs.