What to Do When Suffering Sudden Pain from Gallstones

Gallstones, also known as cholelithiasis, refer to a condition in which stones form within the biliary tract—including the gallbladder or bile ducts. Biliary tract infections are common. Based on the anatomical site of involvement, this condition is classified into cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder) and cholangitis (inflammation of the bile ducts). So, what should one do when experiencing sudden pain due to gallstones? The following addresses this question.

What to Do When Experiencing Sudden Pain from Gallstones

In patients with gallstones, sudden distending pain or discomfort in the right upper abdomen or posterior back often suggests an acute biliary colic episode. Prompt intravenous administration of anti-infective agents—such as ceftriaxone sodium and tinidazole—is recommended. Additionally, after definitive diagnosis, some patients may benefit from adjunctive spasmolytic therapy (e.g., injection of anisodamine hydrobromide, commonly referred to as “654-2”) and/or analgesics (e.g., tramadol hydrochloride injection) for symptomatic relief.

In certain cases where a stone becomes impacted at the gallbladder neck—leading to gallbladder distension and wall edema—urgent laparoscopic cholecystectomy may be required. For patients with bile duct stones who present with sudden pain accompanied by fever, chills, and jaundice, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with stone extraction should be considered. Moreover, in patients with marked biliary dilation, percutaneous transhepatic cholangial drainage (PTCD) under ultrasound guidance may be necessary to decompress intrahepatic bile ducts.

The above outlines management strategies for sudden pain associated with gallstones. We hope this information is helpful to you.