gallstones can cause pancreatitis and they usually require surgical removal. ultrasound or a ct scan can detect gallstones and can sometimes give an idea of the severity of the pancreatitis. when gallstone surgery can be scheduled depends on how severe the pancreatitis is. if the pancreatitis is mild gallstone surgery may proceed within about a week. more severe cases may mean gallstone surgery is delayed for a month or more. after the gallstones are removed and inflammation goes away the pancreas usually returns to normal.
what happens if i have gallstones and pancreatitis?