Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid that can form in your gallbladder, a small pear-shaped organ located just below the liver. These stones can vary in size, ranging from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball. The gallbladder's primary function is to store bile, a substance produced by the liver that helps in the digestion of fats. When there's an imbalance in the chemical makeup of bile, gallstones can form. There are two main types of gallstones: cholesterol gallstones, which are composed mainly of hardened cholesterol and are the most common type, accounting for about 80% of all cases, and pigment gallstones, which are smaller and darker, made up mostly of bilirubin, a byproduct of red blood cell breakdown.
Risk factors for developing gallstones include being female, being overweight or obese, being sedentary, and having a diet high in fat and low in fiber. Genetics also play a role; people with a family history of gallstones are more likely to develop them. Other risk factors include age (people over 40 are at higher risk), ethnicity (Native Americans and Hispanic populations have higher rates of gallstones), and certain medical conditions like diabetes and liver disease. Rapid weight loss and fasting can increase the risk of gallstones because they disrupt normal bile chemistry and gallbladder function.
The symptoms of gallstones can vary. Some people with gallstones, known as having "silent" stones, may not experience any symptoms at all. However, if a gallstone obstructs a bile duct, it can cause acute pain known as a gallbladder attack. This pain typically occurs in the upper right abdomen and can be severe, lasting for several hours. Other symptoms may include fever, jaundice, and vomiting. A severe obstruction can lead to complications such as cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder), pancreatitis, or choledocholithiasis (stones in the common bile duct), which require immediate medical attention.
Diagnosis of gallstones often involves imaging techniques such as ultrasonography, which is highly effective in detecting stones. Treatment options vary depending on the severity of symptoms and the presence of complications. For symptomatic gallstones, surgery to remove the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) is the most common treatment. This procedure is typically performed laparoscopically, where small incisions are made, resulting in shorter recovery times. For those who cannot undergo surgery, there are non-surgical options available, including medications to dissolve the stones or lithotripsy, a method that uses shock waves to break up the stones. Preventative measures include maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet rich in fiber, and staying active.