Gallstone vs Kidney Stone: Key Differences in Symptoms & Treatment

Gallstones form in the gallbladder (right side under liver); kidney stones form in the kidneys (retroperitoneum, both sides). Gallstone pain: right upper abdomen, radiates to right shoulder blade, triggered by fatty meal, constant pressure lasting 1-5 hours, with nausea — no urinary symptoms. Kidney stone pain: flank (side/back) radiating to groin/inner thigh/genitals, true waves of severe cramping, triggered by movement/dehydration, with blood in urine (haematuria), frequent/urgent urination, burning urination — no jaundice. Gallstone diagnosis: abdominal ultrasound, LFTs. Kidney stone diagnosis: CT KUB (gold standard), urine analysis, urine culture. Gallstone treatment: laparoscopic cholecystectomy (surgery); ERCP for CBD stones — cannot pass naturally. Kidney stone treatment: small stones (<5mm) pass spontaneously; larger stones treated with ESWL, ureteroscopy + laser, or PCNL — no organ removal needed. Both conditions can coexist; having one does not protect against the other.