Pain where the gallbladder used to be is typically felt in the upper right abdomen, just below the rib cage, since that is the location of the gallbladder before removal

. This pain can be sharp, severe, and constant, often described as a stabbing or cutting sensation that does not improve with movement or passing gas

. After gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy), some people experience ongoing or new pain in this area, a condition known as post-cholecystectomy syndrome (PCS). PCS symptoms mimic those of gallbladder pain and may include abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting

. The pain may be caused by bile leaking into the abdomen, leftover gallstones in the bile ducts, or dysfunction of the sphincter of Oddi-a muscle controlling bile flow from the bile ducts into the small intestine

. Other causes of pain in the area where the gallbladder used to be include:

• Bile duct injury or leakage after surgery, which can cause upper right quadrant pain, nausea, bloating, fever, and jaundice. This is a serious but rare complication that may require further procedures to repair

• Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, which causes severe, intermittent stomach pain similar to gallbladder attacks, sometimes radiating to the right shoulder or chest. It is more common in people who have had their gallbladder removed

• Small gallstones remaining in bile ducts, irritable bowel syndrome, or peptic ulcer disease can also cause pain in this region

In summary, pain where the gallbladder used to be is most often felt in the upper right abdomen and can result from gallbladder disease or complications after gallbladder removal, including post-cholecystectomy syndrome, bile duct issues, or sphincter dysfunction

. If pain is severe or persistent, medical evaluation is necessary to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.