If they do, they are more likely to have congenital anomalies, biliary anomalies, or hemolytic pigment stones. Risk of developing gallstones increases with age. A history of epigastric pain with radiation to the shoulder may suggest symptomatic cholelithiasis. While certain symptoms, such as flatulence and right upper quadrant pain, are traditionally associated with gallstones, these symptoms are not specific. A detailed history of pattern and characteristics of symptoms, as well as an ultrasound documenting gallstones, makes the diagnosis of symptomatic cholelithiasis.
Most patients develop symptoms prior to complications.
Indigestion, belching, bloating, and fatty food intolerance are thought to be typical symptoms of gallstones. These symptoms, however, occur in similar frequencies in people with and without gallstones. These symptoms frequently are not cured by cholecystectomy. The best definition of biliary colic is pain that is relatively severe in the epigastrium or right upper quadrant that lasts 1-5 hours, often awakening the patient at night with radiation to shoulder or back. Only if the distended gallbladder touched the peritoneum did the patient experience right upper quadrant pain.