Can my gallbladder cause pain even if I don't have gallstones?

Occasionally, people may have symptoms similar to biliary colic—pain 30 to 60 minutes after eating that originates in the right upper abdomen, just beneath the ribs, and may radiate to the back, side or shoulder blade on the right—even though they do not have gallstones. Your doctor may order tests to evaluate this pain. However, if the gallbladder is found to be the cause, it can be removed just as if you had stones.