Grassley says he underwent surgery to remove gallstones over weekend

The 92-year-old senator did not provide details on the procedure or whether he had serious symptoms related to the medical condition, but said he had the procedure while in Iowa.

Published: April 20, 2026 7:25pm

Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley said Monday he underwent surgery over the weekend to remove gallstones and will be back in Washington, D.C., shortly. 

The 92-year-old senator did not provide details on the procedure or whether he had serious symptoms related to the medical condition, but said he had the procedure while in Iowa.

"I'm grateful for the excellent care from local health care providers," Grassley posted on X. "Be back to capitol [as soon as possible]."

Gallstones are benign hardened deposits of bile that can develop in the gallbladder, which is located on the right side of the abdomen, underneath the liver, according to Mayo Clinic. Many gallstones do not cause symptoms, but larger ones can cause unexpected and intense pain in the abdomen, back or right shoulder, along with nausea or vomiting.

Some gallstones can be passed on their own but larger ones need medical intervention to break up and remove. 

It was not immediately clear when Grassley will return to the Senate.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage. 

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