Gallstones and upper abdominal discomfort. Innocent bystander or a cause of dyspepsia?

Many physicians consider gallstones to be a cause of vague upper abdominal discomfort. However, both dyspepsia and gallstones are common conditions in the general population, and the relationship between the two has continued to generate controversy. In this editorial, I review the evidence for and against a relationship between gallstones and dyspepsia. The data suggest that upper abdominal discomfort, heartburn, bloating, and other vague symptoms are not related to gallstones and the routine ordering of an ultrasound in the patient with dyspepsia is not warranted.