Gallstones are tiny, hard deposits found in the gallbladder, a small organ under the liver that stores bile—a digestive fluid produced by the liver. This bile is eventually released into the small intestine to help break down fats during digestion.
Gallstones form when there’s an imbalance in bile components such as cholesterol, bilirubin, and calcium, leading these substances to become too concentrated. If the gallbladder doesn’t empty as it should, these concentrated substances can crystallize into gallstones. Gallstones can vary widely in size, from tiny grains of sand to as large as a golf ball, and people can have just one or several. Often, gallstones cause no symptoms and remain unnoticed unless they block the bile ducts, which can trigger severe stomach pain, jaundice, and gallbladder inflammation.
There are two primary types of gallstones: cholesterol and pigment gallstones. Cholesterol gallstones, making up about 75% of cases, are primarily composed of cholesterol. They often result from too much cholesterol in the bile or inefficient gallbladder emptying and are typically yellow-green. Pigment gallstones, accounting for the remaining 20-25%, are made of bilirubin. They are smaller, darker, and commonly occur in people with conditions like cirrhosis or certain infections.
Many people with gallstones experience no symptoms, known as silent gallstones, often discovered during tests for other health issues. If symptoms do occur, consulting a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment is crucial. While the exact cause of gallstones isn’t fully known, there are some theories about their formation.
Certain factors can increase the risk of gallstones, though not everyone with risk factors will develop them, and some without risk factors may still do so. Knowing these factors can help in taking steps to reduce the chances of developing gallstones and related complications.
If you suspect gallstones, your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, take a medical history, and check for risk factors. Physical examinations may also be conducted. Various diagnostic tests can confirm gallstones, identifying their presence, size, and possible complications, enabling appropriate treatment planning.
Treatment for gallstones is usually recommended only when symptoms are present. The treatment approach depends on the type and seriousness of the gallstones and any accompanying complications. The most common treatment is a cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder. This can be done through traditional open surgery or, more commonly, laparoscopic surgery, which involves small incisions and the use of a tiny camera and instruments.
If surgery isn’t suitable, medications that dissolve gallstones—like ursodiol and chenodiol—may be prescribed, although these are more effective for cholesterol gallstones than pigment ones. This treatment is generally reserved for small stones and can take a long time to work. It’s not suitable for everyone and requires close monitoring by a healthcare provider.
While it’s not entirely possible to prevent gallstones, certain lifestyle choices can help reduce the risk. It’s important to remember these strategies can lower the risk but not guarantee complete prevention. Those with family histories of gallstones should seek personalized advice from healthcare providers.
Complications from gallstones often occur if they block bile ducts or cause inflammation, leading to severe symptoms like abdominal pain, jaundice, and fever. Quick medical attention can prevent further issues and ensure effective treatment.
Living with gallstones involves lifestyle adaptations to manage symptoms and avoid complications. Most people with gallstones can lead normal, unrestricted lives with the right management and proactive measures.
