The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ present in the upper abdomen on the right side, just below the liver. Gallstones (also called cholelithiasis) are hard particles or stones that are present within the gallbladder. The size of gallstones vary from small grains to that of a golf ball. The number of gallstones vary from a single stone to hundreds of small stones.
Gallstones are very common especially in the Weston population with approximately 6% of men and 10% of women have gallstones. They may be asymptomatic or present with biliary colic or complications of gallstone disease such as infection, pancreatitis, and jaundice.
Most patients with gallstones have no symptoms. Gallstones are typically discovered during other exams. However, gallstones can block the ducts of gallbladder or cause the gallbladder to swell up and become inflamed (called cholecystitis). In these cases, you will experience one or more of the following symptoms:
The liver produces a greenish-brown fluid called bile, which is important in the digestion of food. The normal function of gallbladder is to store and concentrate bile. When we eat meals, the gallbladder contracts and releases bile into the intestine to help in the digestion of food. In some persons with risk factors, the bile tends to over concentrate and precipitate within the gallbladder forming gallstones.
There are two main types of gallstones:
Gallstones are more frequently found in:
Your doctor will first take a detailed history and perform the relevant physical examination. Your physical examination may be normal in cases of gallstones. If gallbladder gets inflamed (cholecystitis), then you will feel pain when your doctor touches your upper abdomen with his hand. Gallbladder are routinely diagnosed during exams such as:
Gallstones are common. If your gallstones are not causing you any problems, you should be reassured that no further treatment or follow-up is necessary. You will be only advised to maintain healthy life style by losing weight, if you are overweight. You should eat fruits, vegetables, and a high-fiber diet. If you are having any symptoms suggestive of gallstones, your doctor will order further tests to confirm that gallbladder is inflamed (cholecystitis). If the gallstones are causing symptoms then your doctor may advise surgery to remove the gallbladder.