Gallbladder surgery, also known as a cholecystectomy, is the general treatment for gallstones. 

Gallstones, which are hardened bits of bile that form in the gallbladder, can cause sudden and severe pain to the upper right abdomen. They can be caused by many different things, including too much cholesterol, bilirubin, or concentrated bile. 

Anyone can get gallstones, and there is no consistent method of preventing them. However, gallstones may be more likely for people who are female, over the age of 40, pregnant, or who eat a diet high in fat and cholesterol and low in fiber.