Gallstones are pieces of solid material that form in the gallbladder, a small organ under the liver. If someone has it, you can say that someone is suffering from cholelithiasis.
The gallbladder stores and releases bile, a fluid made in your liver, to aid digestion. Bile also carries wastes such as cholesterol and bilirubin, which the body makes when it breaks down red blood cells. These things can form gallstones. Gallstones are most often found in the gallbladder, such as cholesterol stones. Gallstones can also travel from the gallbladder to the bile duct, which is the largest duct (pipe) in the liver.
Gallstones can range from the size of a grain of sand to the size of a golf ball. People who have gallstones may not know that a person has them until they block the bile duct, causing pain that requires immediate treatment.
Most cholelithiasis is mild and does not require hospital treatment. Treatment of gallstones depends on the stage of the disease . For treatment with serious symptoms, consultation with a surgeon is needed so that the treatment is carried out appropriately.
Types of Gallstones
The two main types of gallstones are:
- Cholesterol stones.
Cholesterol stones are usually yellow-green. Cholesterol stones make up 80% of gallstones. - Pigment stone
Pigment stones (mainly made of bilirubin): These are made when red blood cells break down in the liver. Too much bilirubin can actually leak into the bloodstream and cause yellow skin and eyes
Causes of Gallstones
- Too much cholesterol in the bile.
The body needs bile for digestion. Usually dissolves cholesterol. But if you can't do that, the extra cholesterol can form stones. - Excessive bilirubin in your bile .
Conditions such as cirrhosis, infections, and blood disorders can cause your liver to make too much bilirubin.
Signs and Symptoms of Gallstones
Symptoms of gallstones can vary based on the size of the gallstone. Most gallstones don't cause any symptoms at all. These gallstones are known as silent stones and do not require treatment. When gallstones do cause symptoms, they may include:
- Pain in the upper abdomen, often on the right, just below the ribs
- Pain in your right shoulder or back
- Stomach ache
- Vomit _
- Other digestive problems, including indigestion, heartburn, and gas
Pain is the main symptom most people experience with gallstones. The pain is stable and can last from about 15 minutes to several hours , and generally subsides after one to three hours or so. People experiencing these painful attacks, while uncomfortable, are not in any medical danger. Gallstones can cause acute cholecystitis, which is a more serious condition when the gallbladder is actually inflamed. This occurs when a stone blocks the cystic duct, which increases the pressure inside the gallbladder. This condition may require antibiotics, hospitalization, and even urgent surgery. Stones that pass from the gallbladder and into the bile duct can cause complete blockage of the duct with jaundice, infection and pancreatitis. You may feel pain in several places, including your:
- Upper abdomen, on the right side.
- Between the shoulder blades.
- Under the right shoulder.
Article reviewed by dr. H. Nasrul Liza, Sp.B-KBD (General Surgery - Digestive Surgery Consultant at EMC Tangerang Hospital).