Cholelithiasis is the medical name for hard deposits (gallstones) that may
form in the gallbladder. Cholelithiasis is common in the United States
population. Six percent of adult men and 10% of adult women are affected.
The cause of cholelithiasis is not completely understood, but it is thought to
have multiple factors. The gallbladder stores bile and releases it into the
small intestine when it is needed for digestion. Gallstones can develop if
the bile contains too much cholesterol or too much bilirubin (one of the
components of bile), or if the gallbladder is dysfunctional and cannot
release the bile.
Different types of gallstones form in cholelithiasis. The most common type,
called a cholesterol stone, results from the presence of too much
cholesterol in the bile. Another type of stone, called a pigment stone, is
formed from excess bilirubin, a waste product created by the breakdown of
the red blood cells in the liver. The size and number of gallstones varies in
cholelithiasis; the gallbladder can form many small stones or one large
stone.
The course of cholelithiasis varies among individuals. Most people with
cholelithiasis have no symptoms at all. A minority of patients with
gallstones develop symptoms: severe abdominal pain, nausea and
vomiting, and complete blockage of the bile ducts that may pose the risk of
infection.
Cholelithiasis can lead to cholecystitis, inflammation of the gallbladder.
Acute gallstone attacks may be managed with intravenous medications.
Chronic (long-standing) cholelithiasis is treated by surgical removal of the
gallbladder.
What is cholelithiasis?
Cholelithiasis is the medical name for hard deposits (gallstones) that may
form in the gallbladder. Cholelithiasis is common in the United States
population. Six percent of adult men and 10% of adult women are affected.
The cause of cholelithiasis is not completely understood, but it is thought to
have multiple factors. The gallbladder stores bile and releases it into the
small intestine when it is needed for digestion. Gallstones can develop if
the bile contains too much cholesterol or too much bilirubin (one of the
components of bile), or if the gallbladder is dysfunctional and cannot
release the bile.
Different types of gallstones form in cholelithiasis. The most common type,
called a cholesterol stone, results from the presence of too much
cholesterol in the bile. Another type of stone, called a pigment stone, is
formed from excess bilirubin, a waste product created by the breakdown of
the red blood cells in the liver. The size and number of gallstones varies in
cholelithiasis; the gallbladder can form many small stones or one large
stone.
The course of cholelithiasis varies among individuals. Most people with
cholelithiasis have no symptoms at all. A minority of patients with
gallstones develop symptoms: severe abdominal pain, nausea and
vomiting, and complete blockage of the bile ducts that may pose the risk of
infection.
Cholelithiasis can lead to cholecystitis, inflammation of the gallbladder.
Acute gallstone attacks may be managed with intravenous medications.
Chronic (long-standing) cholelithiasis is treated by surgical removal of the
gallbladder.
Left untreated, cholelithiasis can lead to serious complications such as
tissue damage, tears in the gallbladder, and infection that spreads to other
parts of your body. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) for serious
symptoms, such as high fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit),
severe abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, and nausea with or
without vomiting.
Seek prompt medical care if you are being treated for cholelithiasis, but
mild symptoms recur or are persistent.
What are the symptoms of cholelithiasis?
Cholelithiasis may cause irritation and inflammation of the gallbladder
(cholecystitis) that can result in a number of symptoms. The symptoms can
vary in intensity among individuals.
Common symptoms of cholelithiasis
You may experience cholecystitis symptoms daily or just once in a while. At
times, any of these common symptoms can be severe:
Abdominal pain (typically localized to the right upper quadrant of
the abdomen)
Abdominal swelling, distension or bloating
Abdominal tenderness
Clay-colored stools
Fever and chills
Loss of appetite
Nausea with or without vomiting
Pain that radiates from the abdomen to the right shoulder or back
