Gallstones

Gallstones are so common, you probably know someone who has had their gallbladder removed. At Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital, our expert physicians have decades of experience identifying the signs of gallstones and starting treatment quickly to relieve your discomfort and get you back to normal life.

Gallstone Treatment at Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital: Why Choose Us

It’s not uncommon for a gallbladder attack to send you to the emergency room. Our gastroenterologists are on call 24 hours a day to evaluate your condition and remove your gallbladder, if necessary.

We offer personalized care in a convenient location that also includes:

• Minimally invasive surgical techniques: We can remove your gallbladder using a laparoscopic technique with very small incisions.
• Full-service emergency department: If you experience a gastrointestinal emergency, you can come to our emergency room at any hour. Learn more about our emergency care.
• High patient satisfaction ratings, including a No. 1 ranking in Missouri for patient engagement, according to Becker’s Hospital Review. Learn more about us and our achievements.

What are Gallstones?

The gallbladder is a small organ located near the liver. It stores bile (a fluid that aids in digestion) produced by the liver.

Sometimes the bile stored inside the gallbladder crystallizes into hard, irregularly shaped particles. These are called gallstones.

Gallstones can accumulate within the gallbladder and cause inflammation. They also can block the bile duct, which can cause the gallbladder to become swollen and painful.

What are the Symptoms of Gallstones?

The hallmark signs of gallstones can mimic those of other conditions. That is why it is so important to receive prompt medical attention and an accurate diagnosis to treat the cause of your symptoms.

In general, gallstones may cause:

• Pain in the upper-right part of the abdomen, just below the ribcage
• Right shoulder pain or pain under the right shoulder blade
• Feelings of indigestion after eating fatty foods

How are Gallstones Diagnosed?

Our expert gastroenterologists have decades of experience diagnosing this common problem. To diagnose your gallbladder problem, they will use:

• Blood tests: We process these at on-site at our laboratory for rapid results. Learn more about our laboratory services.
• Ultrasound examinations: Your doctor may order an ultrasound, a procedure that uses sound waves to image your gallbladder.
• Sophisticated imaging tests normally found only in larger hospitals: We offer testing like the hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) exam, which uses a special device called a gamma camera to give your doctor a very detailed view of the gallbladder.

Contact Us

For more information or to schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist, call Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital at 314.542.WEST (9378) or toll-free at 844.542.9378.

We are conveniently located just one mile west of I-270 on Olive Blvd., at Olive and Mason in Creve Coeur, Missouri - a west county suburb of St. Louis, Missouri. Get directions to our hospital.