Cholelithiasis is a medical condition characterized by the presence of stones, known as gallstones, in the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small organ located beneath the liver, responsible for storing and releasing bile, a fluid important for the digestion of fats. Gallstones are formed when there is an imbalance in the components of bile, such as cholesterol, bilirubin, and calcium.
Typically, cholelithiasis is asymptomatic and goes unnoticed until the gallstones cause a blockage or irritation. When symptoms are present, they may include pain in the upper abdomen, particularly after consuming fatty foods or alcohol. Other common signs include nausea, vomiting, indigestion, and bloating.
The risk factors for cholelithiasis include obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, rapid weight loss, female gender, age above 40, family history, and certain medical conditions, such as diabetes and liver cirrhosis. Diagnosing cholelithiasis often involves medical history evaluation, physical examination, and imaging tests, such as ultrasound or CT scan. Treatment options might include surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) or non-surgical methods, such as medication or lithotripsy (using sound waves to break up the gallstones).
It is essential to manage cholelithiasis promptly as untreated cases can lead to complications like inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis), obstruction of the bile ducts (choledocholithiasis), or pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).
