Sludge in the Gallbladder: Symptoms Everyday Health Menu NewslettersSearch Gallbladder Sludge in the Gallbladder The presence of sludge in the gallbladder is a first step in the formation of gallstones; however, in many cases sludge doesn't cause any problems at all. By Diane StresingMedically Reviewed by Lindsey Marcellin, MD, MPH Reviewed: January 25, 2010 Medically Reviewed Located between the liver and intestines, the gallbladder is an organ that stores bile from the liver until it is released into the intestine (via the bile duct) to do its part in digestion. When the gallbladder doesn’t empty completely, cholesterol monohydrate crystals, calcium bilirubinate, or other calcium salts in the bile can thicken, forming sludge. Particles of those calcium salts “can become like rock candy,” explains Jeffrey L. Ponsky, MD, chairman of the department of surgery at the University Hospitals Case Medical Center in Cleveland. “If you look under a microscope, and you see little sand-like particles — that’s sludge.” Gallbladder Sludge and Gallstones: What's the Connection? It’s possible that you have sludge in your gallbladder right now, and you’ll never know. In some people, sludge comes and goes, and never causes a problem. In other cases, sludge can thicken further, and can lead to the formation of the rock-like objects called Does Gallbladder Sludge Require Surgery? In most cases, sludge in the gallbladder doesn’t require any treatment. As long as there are no symptoms, no medical intervention is necessary. “I tell my patients, just live your life,” Ponsky says.On the other hand, when a patient complains about pain around the gallbladder, a physician may order an NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Digestive Health Newsletter SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The Latest in Gallbladder Symptoms of a Gallbladder Problem You don’t typically spend much time thinking about your gallbladder. But knowing the signs that something’s amiss with it — from pain in certain ...By Diana RodriguezSeptember 30, 2022 Gallbladder Surgery: What to Expect Several different surgical procedures may be used to help treat your gallbladder disease.By Jennifer Acosta ScottSeptember 8, 2022 Gallbladder Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment People with gallstones are at greater risk of developing this rare form of cancer.By Diana RodriguezAugust 26, 2022 What Are Common Gallbladder Problems? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and PreventionBy Quinn PhillipsOctober 1, 2020 The Link Between Gallbladder Problems and Diabetes If you have diabetes, you're more likely to have gallbladder problems — but there are ways to lower your risk.By Diane StresingMay 1, 2018 Gallstones and Other Gallbladder Problems Gallstones can cause severe abdominal pain — or you may have no symptoms at all.By Diana RodriguezApril 26, 2018 What Is Cholecystitis? Cholecystitis is a big word for the simple — but potentially painful — problem of gallbladder inflammation.By Diana RodriguezApril 20, 2018 The Link Between Gallstones, Obesity, and Weight Loss Obesity increases your chances of developing gallstones, but so do weight loss surgery and certain types of diets. Find out how to safely reduce your ...By Erica Ilton, RDN, CDNApril 20, 2018 Gallbladder Surgery Complications While serious complications are rare, it’s important to know what to look out for.By Quinn PhillipsApril 20, 2018 Your Diet After Gallbladder Removal After gallbladder surgery, digestion can be tricky for a while. Here's how to modify your diet.By Krisha McCoyApril 11, 2018 MORE IN Tonsil Stones Treatment: Home Remedies, Surgery Recovering From Mono: What Doctors Want You to Know Tonsil Stone Causes Wellness inspired Wellness enabled FacebookTwitterInstagramPinterestYoutubeTikTok About Us Careers Editorial Policy Newsletters Meet Our Health Expert Network Privacy Policy Health News Accessibility Statement Terms of Use Contact Us Feedback Do Not Sell My Personal Information Popular Topics AdChoices NEWSLETTERS Get the best in health and wellness SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. A PROPERTY OF EHGLogo More From Everyday Health: Castle Connolly Top Doctors DailyOM Diabetes Daily Everyday Health Care Migraine Again 1996-2022 Everyday Health, Inc. Everyday Health is among the federally registered trademarks of Everyday Health, Inc. and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. Badges Badges Badges