Cholelithiasis (gallstones)

About Cholelithiasis (gallstones)

Gallstones enter the bile ducts and block the passage of bile. The gallbladder is located in the right upper abdomen and stores bile pigments that are secreted by the liver and ultimately meant to be released into the gastrointestinal tract. Gallstones are found most commonly in the gallbladder, but can also be found in the bile ducts of the liver. Although both sexes are affected, women are affected more often with 20% of those over 40 having gallstones.

Symptoms

Abdominal pain (right upper abdomen), vomiting, fever, yellowing eyes or skin.

Tests & Diagnostics

A history and physical exam will be performed. Abdominal ultrasound is the most common method used to make the diagnosis. Gallstones can also be seen with CT scan and MRI. Lab tests are also done to identify any liver or pancreas injury.

Common tests: Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Lipase, MRI, Ultrasound.

Conventional treatment summary

No treatment may be recommended if the stones are not causing symptoms. If the stones cause pain or problems in the liver or pancreas the gallbladder needs to be surgically removed. For more information contact the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse at http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov

Medical specialties

General Surgery · Gastroenterology · Internal Medicine · Family Practice

This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Cholelithiasis (gallstones).