Can i have gallstones if my gallblader was removed ?
Answered by
Kevin, M.D.
Boston - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as
Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus,
Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders,
Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/ Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders,
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If they are seeing what appears to be a stone, assuming the gallbladder is indeed gone, it's possible in two ways: first, a stone could have fallen out of the gallbladder as it was removed. Second, calcium deposits could have occured in the scar tissue that formed after the operation, and such deposits could look like a gallstone.
If you are able, it would be useful to discuss it with the original surgeon. If not, then it would be worth trying to obtain the operative report from the operation.
The final issue is whether the "stone" is responsible for the discomfort you are having. There are likely lots of people who have a gallstone hiding somewhere after gallbladder people (uncommon, however) and in most cases it wouldn't be expected to cause much problems. You may need a surgical consult to get it sorted out.