What is a Gallstone?
A gallstone is a solid deposit that forms in the gallbladder, ranging in size from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball. These deposits develop when substances in bile, primarily cholesterol and bilirubin, crystallize and form solid masses.
Types of Gallstones
- Cholesterol stones: Yellow-green in color, composed mainly of hardened cholesterol
- Pigment stones: Dark brown or black, made primarily of bilirubin
- Mixed stones: Combination of cholesterol and pigment materials
Risk Factors
- Age over 40
- Female gender
- Obesity
- High-fat, low-fiber diet
- Rapid weight loss
- Family history
- Certain medications, including hormone therapy
Common Symptoms
- Sudden, intense abdominal pain (biliary colic)
- Pain in the upper right abdomen
- Back pain between shoulder blades
- Nausea and vomiting
- Indigestion
- Jaundice (in severe cases)
Diagnosis Methods
- Ultrasound imaging
- CT scans
- Blood tests
- HIDA scan (cholescintigraphy)
Treatment Options
- Surgical removal (cholecystectomy)
- Laparoscopic surgery
- Open surgery
- Non-surgical treatments
- Oral dissolution medications
- Dietary modifications
- Pain management
Prevention Strategies
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Eating a balanced diet low in saturated fats
- Regular exercise
- Avoiding rapid weight loss
- Staying hydrated