17/12/2025
Cholelithiasis (Gallstones)
The presence of solid concretions(stones) in the gallbladder.
Key Points:
· Formation: Caused by an imbalance in bile components (cholesterol, bile salts, bilirubin).
· Types: Cholesterol stones (most common, ~80%) or pigment stones (bilirubin).
· Symptoms: Often asymptomatic ("silent stones"). Symptomatic stones cause biliary colic—sudden, intense right upper quadrant or epigastric pain, often after a fatty meal.
· Complications: Cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation), choledocholithiasis (stones in bile duct), pancreatitis, cholangitis.
· Risk Factors: Female, Forty, Fertile, Fat (obesity), Fair (ethnicity); rapid weight loss; family history.
· Diagnosis: Abdominal ultrasound (first-line, >95% sensitive).
· Treatment:
· Asymptomatic: Usually none ("wait and watch").
· Symptomatic: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (surgical removal of the gallbladder) is the definitive cure. Medications to dissolve stones are rarely used.
In short: Gallstones are common, often silent, but can cause severe pain and complications, typically treated with surgery if symptomatic.