Gallstones
• Definition
· Gallstones are the disorder of cholesterol stone formation within the biliary track.
• Overview
· Gallstones are very common and occur in up to 36% of people and do not commonly cause symptoms.
· Gallstones are 3 times more common in women.
· Gallstones are more common with:
· Crohn’s disease
· gastric surgery
· obesity
· pregnancy
· sickle cell anemia
· thalassemia
• Types
· Gallstones are predominantly made of cholesterol and biliary salts and calcium.
• Symptoms
· right upper quadrant abdominal pain
· upper abdominal pain
· indigestion
· abdominal pain after a high fat meal
• Complications
· infection of the gallbladder
· necrosis of the gallbladder wall
· rupture of the gallbladder
• Treatment
· Surgical removal of the gallbladder
References
Gallstones: Genetics versus environment. Ann Surg 235:842, 2002. [PMID: 12035041]
Posted on September 24, 2008
