Pediatric Gallstones: What Parents Need to Know Now

Gallstones aren’t only an adult problem. Kids can get them too, and you might not expect it until belly pain or jaundice shows up. This page tells you how to spot gallstones in children, what causes them, how doctors check for them, and the simple treatment steps parents usually see in real life.

How doctors diagnose pediatric gallstones

If a child has recurring belly pain, especially on the right side under the ribs, or sudden vomiting and fever, a doctor will consider gallstones. The main test is an abdominal ultrasound — it’s fast, painless, and shows stones clearly. Blood tests check for inflammation, liver problems, or blocked bile flow. Sometimes doctors ask about recent antibiotic use, prolonged IV feeding, or a family history of gallbladder disease.

Treatment options and what to expect

Treatment depends on symptoms and the stone’s behavior. If a child has no pain or only mild, occasional pain, doctors often watch and wait because small stones can stay quiet. For persistent pain or complications, options include:

- Medicines: Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) can dissolve certain cholesterol stones over weeks or months, but it doesn’t work for every child.

- Surgery: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (removing the gallbladder through small cuts) is the usual fix when pain is frequent or stones cause infections. Kids recover fast from laparoscopic surgery and usually go home in a day or two.

- Emergency care: If a stone blocks the bile duct or causes pancreatitis or a bad infection, immediate treatment is needed. That may include IV fluids, antibiotics, and quick surgical or endoscopic procedures.

Which option is right depends on the child’s age, overall health, and how often symptoms come back. Talk with your pediatrician or a pediatric surgeon about risks and recovery steps before deciding.

Common causes and risk factors are different from adults. In kids, gallstones often link to:

- Blood disorders that destroy red blood cells faster than normal (for example, sickle cell disease).
- Long courses of IV feeding (total parenteral nutrition).
- Rapid weight loss or obesity.
- Certain medicines, like ceftriaxone in some cases.
- Family history or metabolic conditions that change bile chemistry.

Want to help prevent stones? Focus on steady, healthy weight for your child, avoid extreme diets, and manage any chronic illness with your doctor. If your child needs long-term IV feeding, ask the medical team how they monitor gallbladder health.

When should you call the doctor right away? If your child has severe upper belly pain that won’t stop, yellowing of the skin or eyes, high fever, or repeated vomiting, seek medical care immediately. These can signal a blocked bile duct or serious infection.

Questions to ask the doctor: What are the risks of watchful waiting? Could medication help my child’s stones? Is surgery necessary now or later? Knowing the answers helps you choose the safest path for your child.

Getting clear, practical advice from a pediatric specialist makes a big difference. If you suspect gallstones, start with your pediatrician — they’ll guide you to the right tests and treatment plan.