What Are Gallbladder Stones?
Gallbladder stones, also known as cholelithiasis, are a common condition often referred to as gallstone disease. These are crystalline structures that may form as a single stone or multiple stones in the gallbladder, and they often present without symptoms.
The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located on the right side of the abdomen, beneath the liver. It plays an important role in digestion. When we eat, the gallbladder contracts and releases bile into the small intestine to help break down fats and aid in the digestion process. However, when stones form in the gallbladder, they can cause pain and other complications.
Cholelithiasis is rare in children and adolescents and is more commonly diagnosed in adults over the age of 45. Women are twice as likely as men to develop gallstone disease, primarily due to female hormones—estrogens—which slow down bile secretion.
Types of Gallstones
There are two main types of gallstones: cholesterol stones and pigment stones.
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Cholesterol stones are typically white or light yellow and make up about 80% of all gallstones.
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Pigment stones are usually darker in color and contain bilirubin and calcium, accounting for about 20% of cases.
Gallstone disease can lead to complications such as acute cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder) and obstructive jaundice, which occurs when a stone blocks the common bile duct. These complications often require surgical intervention.
Symptoms
Pain from gallstones usually occurs in the upper right abdomen and may radiate to the left side or shoulder. It often follows the consumption of fatty or spicy foods, prolonged walking, physical exertion, or emotional stress.
If a gallstone becomes lodged in the bile duct, it can obstruct the flow of bile, causing it to accumulate in the gallbladder. This leads to gallbladder enlargement—normally, it holds about 25 ml of bile, but in some cases, it can expand up to 200 ml. This causes pain and other symptoms.
Risk Factors for Gallstone Disease
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Metabolic disorders
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Genetic predisposition
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Impaired gallbladder emptying
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Poor diet
Gallstone Treatment
The most effective and reliable treatment for gallstones is surgical removal. If there is only sludge, small crystal clusters, or soft cholesterol stones in the gallbladder, conservative (non-surgical) treatment may be effective in some cases.
However, in many instances, especially when gallstones are small and asymptomatic, immediate treatment may not be necessary. In such cases, your doctor may recommend regular monitoring with ultrasound, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding foods that could trigger symptoms.
Karazanashvili’s Robotic Surgery Center offers modern and effective treatments for gallstone disease!
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