Abdominal pain associated with gallstones does not always subside after the gallbladder is removed (cholecystectomy). Even five years after surgery, one-third of patients still experience persisting abdominal pain. Additionally, some patients who do not undergo a cholecystectomy continue to have pain. These symptoms may be caused not only by the presence of gallstones but also by dyspepsia issues or irritable bowel syndrome.
