gallstone

A gallstone is a small, hard deposit that forms in the gallbladder, a pear-shaped organ located under the liver. The gallbladder stores bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver that helps break down fat in food. Gallstones can be formed when bile becomes concentrated and contains high levels of cholesterol, bile salts, and bilirubin, a pigment produced by the breakdown of red blood cells.

There are two main types of gallstones: cholesterol stones and pigment stones. Cholesterol stones are the most common type and are formed when cholesterol levels in the bile become too high. Pigment stones, on the other hand, are formed when there is an excess of bilirubin in the bile. The exact cause of gallstones is not fully understood, but a number of factors can increase the risk of developing them, including obesity, diabetes, family history, and a diet high in cholesterol.

Gallstones can be asymptomatic, but they can also cause a range of symptoms, including abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. In some cases, gallstones may block the bile ducts, which can lead to jaundice, a condition characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes. If gallstones are suspected, a doctor may perform imaging tests such as an ultrasound or CT scan to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment for gallstones usually involves surgery to remove the gallbladder, which is called a cholecystectomy. In some cases, a smaller procedure called a laparoscopic cholecystectomy may be performed to remove the gallbladder using a laparoscope, a thin tube with a light and camera on the end.