Cholelithiasis

Cholelithiasis
Other names	Gallstones, biliary calculus
Specialty	Gastroenterology
Symptoms	Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting
Complications	Cholecystitis, Pancreatitis, Cholangitis
Types	Cholesterol stones, pigment stones
Causes	High cholesterol diet, obesity, genetics, certain medical conditions
Risk factors	Female gender, age, Obesity, Diabetes mellitus, pregnancy
Diagnostic method	Ultrasound, CT scan, MRI
Differential diagnosis	Appendicitis, Peptic ulcer, Pancreatitis
Prevention	Healthy diet, weight management
Treatment	Cholecystectomy, medication, lithotripsy
Medication	Ursodeoxycholic acid
Prognosis	Generally good with treatment
Frequency	Common

Cholelithiasis, commonly known as gallstones, is a medical condition characterized by the formation of hard particles within the gallbladder, a small organ located beneath the liver. These particles, or stones, can vary in size and are primarily composed of cholesterol (cholesterol stones) or bilirubin (pigment stones).

Causes

The formation of gallstones is influenced by multiple factors including diet, body weight, and genetic predisposition. A high intake of cholesterol, obesity, and certain genetic factors increase the risk of cholesterol stone formation. Pigment stones are more common in individuals with certain medical conditions such as Sickle cell disease and liver cirrhosis.

Symptoms and Complications

Many individuals with cholelithiasis do not experience symptoms. However, if a stone obstructs the bile duct, it can cause severe abdominal pain, often referred to as a gallbladder attack. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and fever. Complications of untreated cholelithiasis include cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder), pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), and cholangitis (inflammation of the bile ducts).

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis of cholelithiasis typically involves imaging techniques such as ultrasound, which is highly effective at detecting gallstones. Additional imaging tests like CT scans and MRIs can be used to assess complications.

Treatment options vary depending on the severity of symptoms and complications. Asymptomatic patients might not require immediate treatment. For symptomatic cases, a cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder, is a common treatment. Alternatives include medication to dissolve the stones or lithotripsy to break them up.

Prevention

Preventative measures for cholelithiasis include maintaining a healthy diet low in cholesterol and high in fiber, regular physical activity, and managing body weight.

Epidemiology

Cholelithiasis is a prevalent condition worldwide, affecting an estimated 10-15% of the adult population in developed countries. It is more common in females, particularly during pregnancy, and incidence increases with age.