No scientific evidence exists to support the claim that either allopathic or non-allopathic treatments may treat gallstones. When there is discomfort, doctors may follow up and operate on someone who is asymptomatic. Once you have symptoms, you run a 4–8% annual chance of developing major side effects like acute cholecystitis, pancreatitis, jaundice, cholangitis, and gangrene. Over the next ten years, patients with gallstones are at risk for these potentially fatal side effects. Cholecystectomy is therefore required in those who have symptoms.