When we think of gallstones, most people associate them with a condition that affects adults. However, this condition—known medically as gallstone disease—can also occur in children and adolescents, and it is being diagnosed with increasing frequency.
The rise in cases among young children is linked to factors such as childhood obesity, changes in eating habits, and certain hereditary conditions. The concern is that, in many cases, the symptoms go unnoticed or are mistaken for other common childhood digestive issues.
In this article, we explain what gallstones are, why they form in children, how to recognize the symptoms, and what treatment options are currently available.
What is gallstone disease, and how does it affect children?
The gallbladder is a small organ located beneath the liver. Its main function is to store bile, a substance the body needs to digest fats in food.
When solid deposits form inside the gallbladder—known as gallstones—they can block the flow of bile. This blockage causes episodes of pain that can range from mild discomfort to severe pain requiring emergency care.
In more advanced cases, prolonged blockage can lead to inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis) and even infection, which complicates treatment and recovery.
Risk factors: Why might a child develop gallstones?
Although gallstones are still less common in children than in adults, there are specific factors that increase the likelihood of their occurrence at a young age:
Key factors
- Childhood overweight and obesity: This is the most significant risk factor. Excess body fat disrupts cholesterol and bile metabolism, promoting the formation of gallstones.
- Hormonal changes during adolescence: The hormonal fluctuations typical of puberty can affect the composition of bile.
- Family history: If there is a family history of gallstones, the child has a greater genetic predisposition.
- Hematological disorders: Conditions such as sickle cell anemia and hereditary spherocytosis increase the destruction of red blood cells, leading to excess bilirubin that can crystallize in the gallbladder.
- Rapid weight loss: Highly restrictive diets or rapid weight loss cause a sudden release of cholesterol, which promotes the formation of stones.
Symptoms: How can I tell if my child has gallstones?
The symptoms of gallstones in children can easily be mistaken for other digestive conditions, making diagnosis difficult if this possibility is not considered. The most common signs include:
- Pain in the upper right abdomen, especially after eating fatty foods or large meals.
- Recurrent episodes of nausea and vomiting with no apparent cause.
- Intolerance to fatty foods: The child experiences discomfort, a feeling of heaviness, or pain after eating fried foods, whole-milk dairy products, or heavily seasoned foods.
- Abdominal bloating after meals.
Tip for parents: If your child frequently complains of stomach pain after eating—especially if the pain is located in the upper right side—don’t automatically assume it’s just “indigestion.” A recurring pattern warrants a medical evaluation.
Diagnosis: The Importance of Early Detection
The diagnosis of gallstones in children depends primarily on two factors: a detailed clinical evaluation by a specialist and an abdominal ultrasound, a noninvasive, painless, and radiation-free test that allows the gallbladder to be visualized and the presence of stones to be confirmed.
Early detection is the most important factor. Ignoring recurring abdominal pain or delaying a doctor’s visit can delay diagnosis and increase the risk of complications such as severe gallbladder inflammation, which may require emergency surgery rather than a scheduled, controlled procedure.
Treatment: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in children
When episodes of pain are recurrent or severe and the presence of gallstones is confirmed, surgical treatment may be necessary. The surgery involves removing the entire gallbladder, a procedure known as a cholecystectomy.
Currently, this procedure is performed using minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopy), which offers significant advantages:
- Very small incisions (5 to 10 mm).
- Less postoperative pain.
- Faster recovery.
- Lower risk of infection.
When performed by an experienced pediatric surgeon, this procedure is safe and yields good results.
Can you live without a gallbladder? Yes. The body adapts to digest food without it. Bile flows directly from the liver to the intestine. Most patients do not experience significant changes in their digestion over the long term.
Expert opinion
"Although gallstones are not one of the most common causes of abdominal pain in children, they should be considered when symptoms are persistent or recurrent. Identifying the problem early prevents more serious complications and ensures a favorable recovery."
— Dr. Guillermo Mendoza, Pediatric Surgeon – Manta Hospital Center
Minimally Invasive Pediatric Surgery in Manta
Manta Hospital Center is equipped with the necessary facilities and medical staff to diagnose and treat gallstones in pediatric patients. Dr. Guillermo Mendoza, a nationally recognized pediatric surgeon, heads the hospital’s pediatric surgery department, providing access to advanced laparoscopic techniques without the need to travel to another city.
The availability of 24-hour specialized pediatric care in Manta provides significant peace of mind for families in the region, who can now count on timely responses to pediatric emergencies and surgical conditions.
Listening to your body's signals can make all the difference
Recognizing that some conditions previously thought to affect only adults can also occur in children is part of the evolving field of medicine. Recurrent abdominal pain in children should not be dismissed as normal.
When symptoms recur or worsen, a timely medical evaluation provides clarity, peace of mind, and, above all, reassurance for families. Paying attention to the body’s signals and seeing a specialist in a timely manner can make all the difference in a child’s health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gallstones in Children
At what age can gallstones develop in children? They can occur at any age, even in infants, although they are more common starting at age 6 or 7 and during adolescence. Risk factors such as obesity and blood disorders increase the likelihood.
Can kidney stones be treated without surgery? In some mild, asymptomatic cases, medical monitoring without immediate intervention may be an option. However, when pain episodes are recurrent or there is a risk of complications, surgery is the recommended treatment.
Is surgery safe for children? Yes. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a well-established and safe procedure for pediatric patients when performed by an experienced pediatric surgeon using the appropriate equipment.
How can I prevent gallstones in my child? Maintaining a healthy weight, following a balanced diet low in saturated fat, engaging in regular physical activity, and avoiding sudden weight loss are the most important preventive measures. If there is a family history of gallstones, regular checkups are recommended.
Does your child have recurring abdominal pain after eating?
Schedule an evaluation with our pediatric surgeon.
☎ 098 347 7365 | WhatsApp: Message us at MiDi to schedule an appointment
