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Gallstones form when bile, which is stored in the gallbladder, hardens into pieces of stone-like material. About 75% of gallstones are composed of cholesterol salts, while the remaining 25% are made up of bilirubin salts, a bile pigment. Gallstones can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. The gallbladder can develop just one large stone, hundreds of tiny stones, or almost any combination.
Gallstones can block the normal flow of bile if they lodge in any of the ducts that carry bile from the liver to the small intestine. Bile trapped in these ducts can cause inflammation in the gallbladder, the ducts, or, rarely, the liver.
Gallstones can cause several related problems including:
Gallstones are a common medical problem; about 10% to 15% of the adult population of the United States has gallstones. However, about 80% of people who have gallstones have no symptoms. This condition is referred to as “silent” gallstones and does not require treatment.
What are the risk factors for gallstones?
What are the symptoms of gallstones?
How are gallstones diagnosed?
What are the treatments for gallstones?
Are there screening tests for gallstones?
How can I reduce my risk of developing gallstones?
What questions should I ask my healthcare provider
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Where can I get more information about gallstones?
References:
Adler DG, Baron TH, Davila RE, et al. ASGE guideline: the role of ERCP in diseases of the biliary tract and the pancreas. Gastrointest Endosc. 2005;62:1-8.
Ahmed A, Cheung RC, Keefe EB. Management of gallstones and their complications. Am Fam Physician. 2000;61:1673-1678.
American Gastroenterological Association website. Available at: http://www.gastro.org/ .
National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases website. Available at: http://www2.niddk.nih.gov/ .
Portincasa P, Moschetta A, Palasciano G. Cholesterol gallstone disease. Lancet. 2006;368:230-239.
Last reviewed November 2008 by Daus Mahnke, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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