What Are Gallbladder Stones?
Gallbladder stones, or gallstones, are hardened deposits of digestive fluid that form in the
gallbladder, a small organ located beneath the liver that stores bile. Gallstones can range in
size from tiny grains to large stones and may be made of cholesterol or bilirubin.
Types of Gallstones
- • Cholesterol Stones: The most common type, formed from excess cholesterol in bile.
- • Pigment Stones: Made of bilirubin, often associated with liver disease or blood
disorders.
Causes Gallstones can form when:
- • Bile Contains Too Much Cholesterol: Leading to the formation of cholesterol stones.
- • Bile Contains Too Much Bilirubin: Due to conditions like liver cirrhosis or certain blood
disorders.
- • Gallbladder Doesn’t Empty Properly: Resulting in concentrated bile that can form stones.
Symptoms Many people with gallstones have no symptoms (asymptomatic). However, when a stone
blocks a bile duct, it can cause:
- • Pain: Sudden and intense pain in the upper right abdomen or between the shoulder blades.
- • Nausea and Vomiting
- • Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes if a stone blocks the bile duct.
Treatment
- • Watchful Waiting: If gallstones are asymptomatic, no immediate treatment may be
necessary.
- • Medications: To dissolve cholesterol stones, though this is less common.
- • Surgery (Cholecystectomy): The most common treatment, involving the removal of the
gallbladder. This is usually recommended if the stones cause symptoms or complications.
Prognosis Most people recover well after treatment, especially after gallbladder removal. The
gallbladder is not essential for digestion, so people can lead normal lives without it.
