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Biliary colic

Medium urgency
Common-

Intense abdominal pain caused by gallbladder distension, due to bile obstruction in an outlet called the cystic duct.

The contraction of the gallbladder walls and the increase in pressure causes the intense pain. It is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, sweating and yellowish tinge of skin and membranes (jaundice).

Diagnosis is performed through clinical questioning, physical examination, blood tests and abdominal ultrasound.

The pain must be alleviated and proper hydration ensured. If it frequently reoccurs and/or if the pain is very intense, removing the gallbladder will be considered, generally via laparoscopy.

Bibliographic references
  1. Warttig S, Ward S, Rogers G, Guideline Development Group. Diagnosis and management of gallstone disease: summary of NICE guidance. BMJ 2014; 349:g6241.
  2. Festi D, Reggiani ML, Attili AF, et al. Natural history of gallstone disease: Expectant management or active treatment? Results from a population-based cohort study. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2010; 25:719.
  3. Norton J. Greenberger, Gustav Paumgartner. Enfermedades de la vesícula biliar y de las vías biliares. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna. Volumen 2. 19ª Edición. 2076:2080.
  4. E. Ros. Enfermedades de las vías biliares. Colecistitis aguda. Farreras Rozman. Medicina Interna. Volumen I. Duodécima edición. 358.
Author
Dr. Oscar Garcia-Esquirol
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Upper right abdominal pain

    Abdominal pain radiating to the shoulder

    Pain in the pit of the stomach

    Nausea

    Pain for more than 20 minutes

Pre-hospital care recommendations

Take over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatories.
Eat a balanced diet: increase consumption of fruits, vegetables, and white meats, and reduce consumption of fatty and fried foods.
Relative rest, rest until symptoms subside.
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