gallstones

The presence of gallstones in the gallbladder.

Cholelithiasis is frequently without symptoms and is discovered by routine X-ray study, surgery, or autopsy. The stones are formed from bile salts, lecithin, and cholesterol. They may be as small as a grain of sand, or become as large as an inch in diameter. If symptoms are present, they are similar to acute cholecystitis, or cholangitis. Symptoms usually occur only when the stones block one of the ducts in the biliary system. Cholelithiasis is very common with the incidence 1 out of 1,000 people. The prevalence is greater in women, native Americans, and people over 40.

• abdominal pain
  • in the right upper quadrant or in the middle of the upper abdomen
  • may be recurrent
  • sharp or cramping or dull
  • may radiate to the back or below the right shoulder blade
  • made worse by fatty or greasy foods
  • occurs within minutes following meals
• jaundice
• fever

Note: Often there are no symptoms.
Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:

• stools, clay colored
• nausea & vomiting
• heartburn
• gas/flatus, excessive
• abdominal indigestion
• abdominal fullness, gaseous

Tests to detect presence of gallstones or inflammation:

• abdominal ultrasound
• abdominal CT scan
• abdominal X-ray
• oral cholecystogram
• gall bladder radionuclide scan
• ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography)

This disease may also alter the results of the following tests:

• fecal fat
• bilirubin; urine
• abdominal MRI

Surgery is indicated for symptomatic disease only; a cholecystectomy is the usual procedure for uncomplicated cases.
Bile salts taken orally may dissolve gallstones in those with a functioning gallbladder, but the process may take 2 years or longer, and stones may recur after the therapy is discontinued.

Gallstones develop in many people without causing symptoms. The chance of symptoms or complications resulting from cholelithiasis is about 20%.

• acute cholecystitis
• cholangitis
• chronic cholecystitis
• choledocholithiasis

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of right upper quadrant abdominal pain persist or recur, jaundice develops, or other symptoms suggestive of cholelithiasis occur.

There is no known way to prevent gallstones. If you have gallstone symptoms, eating a low fat diet and losing weight may be helpful in controlling symptoms.

The information provided herein should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.