Gallstones, or cholelithiasis, are hardened deposits of digestive fluid that form in the gallbladder, a small organ located beneath the liver. The gallbladder stores bile, a fluid produced by the liver that aids in the digestion of fats. Gallstones can vary in size from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball, and they can cause significant discomfort and health issues.

Causes of Gallstones

Gallstones form when the chemical composition of bile is imbalanced. Several factors can contribute to this imbalance:

1. Excess Cholesterol: Bile normally contains enough chemicals to dissolve cholesterol excreted by the liver. However, if the liver excretes more cholesterol than the bile can dissolve, the excess cholesterol may form into crystals and eventually into stones.

2. Excess Bilirubin: Bilirubin is a chemical produced during the breakdown of red blood cells. Certain conditions, such as liver cirrhosis, biliary tract infections, and some blood disorders, cause the liver to produce too much bilirubin, which can contribute to gallstone formation.

3. Concentrated Bile: If the gallbladder doesn’t empty correctly or completely, bile becomes overly concentrated, contributing to the formation of gallstones.

Types of Gallstones

Gallstones are classified into two main types:

1. Cholesterol Gallstones: These are the most common type, often yellow-green, and primarily composed of undissolved cholesterol.

2. Pigment Gallstones: These are smaller, darker stones made of bilirubin. They are more common in people with certain medical conditions, such as liver cirrhosis and blood disorders.

Symptoms of Gallstones

Gallstones may not always cause symptoms. When they do, they can lead to a condition known as a gallbladder attack or biliary colic, which includes the following symptoms:

• Sudden, Intense Pain: Pain in the upper right abdomen, which may radiate to the back or right shoulder blade.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Commonly accompanying the abdominal pain.
• Indigestion: Including bloating, heartburn, and gas.
• Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes if a stone blocks the bile ducts.
• Fever and Chills: Indicating a possible infection, such as cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder).

Diagnosis of Gallstones

To diagnose gallstones, healthcare providers use several methods:

• Ultrasound: The most common and non-invasive test to visualize gallstones.
• CT Scan: Provides detailed images of the abdominal organs.
• Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP): A type of MRI that specifically looks at the bile ducts.
• Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): A procedure that combines endoscopy and X-ray to diagnose and sometimes treat gallstones.