Where are gallstones located in the body. What causes gallstones to form. How can gallstones be treated. What are the symptoms of gallstones. How do gallstones differ from kidney stones. Can gallstones pass naturally. What dietary changes can help prevent gallstones.

Understanding Gallstones: Formation and Location

Gallstones are small, hard deposits that form in the gallbladder, a small organ located beneath the liver. These stones typically develop when there’s an imbalance in the substances that make up bile, a fluid produced by the liver to aid in digestion. The gallbladder stores this bile and releases it when needed to help break down fats in the small intestine.

The prevalence of gallstones is surprisingly high, with approximately 20% of the population developing them at some point in their lives. However, it’s important to note that only about 20-30% of those with gallstones will experience noticeable symptoms.

Composition of Gallstones

Gallstones can vary in size and composition. They are usually made up of:

• Cholesterol (most common type)
• Bilirubin (pigment stones)
• Calcium salts

The size of gallstones can range from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball. Interestingly, it’s not uncommon for a person to have multiple gallstones of varying sizes simultaneously.

Recognizing Gallstone Symptoms and Pain Patterns

While many people with gallstones remain asymptomatic, those who do experience symptoms often report a range of discomforts. The most common gallstone symptoms include:

• Right upper quadrant pain (below the right ribs)
• Back pain, often radiating from the right side
• Chest pain and indigestion
• Nausea and vomiting
• Steatorrhea (loose, greasy, foul-smelling stools)

How does gallstone pain manifest? The pain associated with gallstones can vary significantly from person to person. Some individuals may only experience mild indigestion, while others describe it as the worst pain of their lives, sometimes even mistaking it for a heart attack. The classic gallstone attack often occurs after consuming a fatty or greasy meal, triggering the gallbladder to contract and potentially causing a stone to block a bile duct.

Gallstone Causes and Risk Factors

Understanding what causes gallstones can help in prevention and management. Several factors contribute to the formation of gallstones:

1. Fasting or rapid weight loss
2. High cholesterol levels
3. Obesity
4. Chronic illnesses
5. Pregnancy and multiple pregnancies
6. Hemolytic blood disorders
7. Genetic predisposition

Who is most at risk for developing gallstones? Traditionally, gallstones were more common in individuals over 40 years old. However, with the rising obesity rates, younger people, even teenagers, are now developing gallstones. Women, particularly those who have been pregnant, are also at a higher risk due to hormonal factors that can affect bile composition.

Diagnosing Gallstones: Tests and Procedures

How are gallstones diagnosed? When gallstones are suspected, healthcare providers typically employ a combination of physical examination and imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis. Common diagnostic procedures include:

• Ultrasound: This non-invasive imaging technique is often the first choice for detecting gallstones.
• CT scan: Provides detailed images of the gallbladder and surrounding tissues.
• HIDA scan: A nuclear medicine test that evaluates gallbladder function and checks for blockages.
• Blood tests: To check for signs of infection or inflammation.

In some cases, more advanced imaging techniques like MRI or endoscopic ultrasound may be necessary to get a clearer picture of the gallbladder and bile ducts.

Treatment Options for Gallstones

What are the available treatments for gallstones? The treatment approach for gallstones depends on the severity of symptoms and the overall health of the patient. Options include:

1. Watchful Waiting

For asymptomatic gallstones, a “wait and see” approach may be recommended. Regular monitoring ensures that any changes or developing symptoms are caught early.

2. Surgical Removal (Cholecystectomy)

The most common and effective treatment for symptomatic gallstones is surgical removal of the gallbladder. This procedure, known as cholecystectomy, is typically performed laparoscopically, involving only 3-4 small incisions. The surgery usually takes about 30 minutes and has a relatively quick recovery time.

3. Non-Surgical Treatments

In some cases, non-surgical options may be considered:

• Medications to dissolve stones (ursodeoxycholic acid)
• Shock wave lithotripsy for certain types of stones
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for stones in the bile ducts

Can gallstones pass naturally? Yes, small gallstones can sometimes pass on their own. They move from the gallbladder into the bile ducts and then into the small intestine, where they’re eventually excreted in stool. However, this process can be unpredictable and potentially risky if a stone becomes lodged in a bile duct.

Gallstones vs. Kidney Stones: Understanding the Difference

How do gallstones differ from kidney stones? While both are referred to as “stones,” gallstones and kidney stones are distinct in several ways:

Understanding these differences is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment, as the management approaches for gallstones and kidney stones differ significantly.

Dietary Considerations and Lifestyle Changes for Gallstone Prevention

While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent gallstones, certain dietary and lifestyle changes may reduce your risk:

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Obesity is a significant risk factor for gallstones. Maintaining a healthy weight through balanced nutrition and regular exercise can help reduce your risk. However, it’s important to avoid rapid weight loss, as this can actually increase gallstone formation.

Balanced Diet

What dietary changes can help prevent gallstones? While no specific foods directly cause gallstones, a diet low in saturated fats and high in fiber may be beneficial. Consider incorporating:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Whole grains
• Lean proteins
• Healthy fats (e.g., olive oil, avocados)

Regular Meals

Skipping meals or fasting can increase the risk of gallstones. Eating regular, balanced meals helps maintain normal gallbladder function.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water throughout the day may help prevent stone formation by keeping bile diluted.

Complications and Long-Term Outlook for Gallstone Patients

While many people with gallstones never experience complications, untreated symptomatic gallstones can lead to serious health issues:

Potential Complications

• Cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder)
• Choledocholithiasis (stones in the common bile duct)
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Gallbladder cancer (rare)

What is the long-term outlook for gallstone patients? For those who undergo gallbladder removal, the prognosis is generally excellent. Most people can return to their normal activities within a week or two after laparoscopic surgery. While some may experience changes in bowel habits initially, these usually resolve over time.

It’s important to note that even after gallbladder removal, a small percentage of people may develop recurrent stones in the bile ducts. Regular follow-ups with a healthcare provider can help monitor for any potential issues.

Emerging Research and Future Directions in Gallstone Management

The field of gallstone research continues to evolve, with scientists exploring new ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat this common condition. Some areas of current interest include:

Genetic Factors

Researchers are investigating genetic markers that may predispose individuals to gallstone formation. This could lead to more personalized risk assessments and prevention strategies.

Microbiome Influence

Studies are examining the potential role of gut bacteria in gallstone formation and prevention. Understanding this connection could open up new avenues for probiotic or dietary interventions.

Novel Treatment Approaches

Scientists are exploring less invasive treatment options, such as improved medications for stone dissolution or innovative techniques for stone removal without surgery.

How might future gallstone treatments differ from current approaches? While surgical removal of the gallbladder remains the gold standard for symptomatic gallstones, ongoing research may lead to more targeted, less invasive treatments. These could potentially allow for gallbladder preservation in some cases or provide better options for high-risk surgical candidates.

As our understanding of gallstone formation and its risk factors continues to grow, we may see a shift towards more preventive strategies and personalized treatment plans. This could potentially reduce the incidence of gallstones and improve outcomes for those affected by this common condition.

In conclusion, while gallstones remain a prevalent health issue, advancements in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention continue to improve the outlook for patients. By staying informed about the latest developments and maintaining open communication with healthcare providers, individuals can take proactive steps to manage their gallstone risk and ensure optimal digestive health.

Fact Finding: Gallstones vs. Kidney Stones

Did you know you could have gallstones and not even know it? Gallstones are pretty common, but only a fraction of the people who have them even know they are there. General surgeon Mitchel McKenzie, MD, UnityPoint Health, explains gallstone symptoms, treatment, causes and the difference between gallstones vs. kidney stones.

Gallbladder Function

The gallbladder is a storage organ connected to the liver by a network of bile ducts.

“The liver is constantly producing bile, which is a liquid used in the absorption of fats in our diet,” Dr. McKenzie says. “When we are fasting, the bile isn’t released into our bowel and fills the gallbladder where it is stored. When we eat a meal containing fats, our bowel sends a signal to the gallbladder that it’s time to release bile.”

Dr. McKenzie says certain things can cause an imbalance in the bile stored in the gallbladder or lead to decreased emptying of the gallbladder, which results in gallstone formation.

Gallstone Causes

“Gallstones are very common. Roughly 20 percent of the population will develop gallstones in their life. However, only 20-30 percent will develop symptoms from them,” Dr. McKenzie says.

What causes gallbladder stones may include:

• Fasting
• Rapid weight loss
• High cholesterol
• Obesity
• Chronic illness
• Pregnancy
• Multiple pregnancies
• Hemolytic blood issues (blood disease resulting in anemia)
• Genetics

“Classically, gallstones are most typical in those over age 40. However, with the current obesity issues, younger individuals are developing gallstones as early as their teens,” Dr. McKenzie says.

Gallstone Pain & Symptoms

If you develop gallstones, Dr. McKenzie says you’ll likely get multiple firm stones at one time all varying in size. Remember, only 20-30 percent of people who get gallstones will notice any pain or symptoms associated with the stones. Those who do experience symptoms often complain of:

• Right upper quadrant pain. This is the area to the right of your belly button, under your right ribs down to your pelvis. The classic symptoms are pain in this area following a fatty or greasy meal.
• Back pain. The pain can radiate from the right upper quadrant through the right hip (right flank) to the back.
• Chest pain & indigestion. Those with gallstones might even notice chest pain and indigestion.
• Nausea and vomiting. Both can be gallstone symptoms.
• Steatorrhea. Some people develop very loose, greasy, foul-smelling stools.

“Gallstone pain can vary person to person. Some only have indigestion, while others feel they are having a heart attack and describe it as the worst pain in their life,” Dr. McKenzie says.

Gallstones vs.

Kidney Stones

Dr. McKenzie says while they are both stones, gallstones and kidney stones are two very different things. 

Passing Gallstones

The good news is you can pass small gallstones. Dr. McKenzie says some small gallstones leave your gallbladder and pass into your bile ducts. The stones that don’t get stuck move into the small bowel and are passed in your stool. However, the stones that get stuck are the ones that cause problems.

Gallstones can get stuck in the gallbladder itself (acute cholecystitis), causing inflammation and even infection in the gallbladder. Stones can also become stuck outside of the gallbladder in the bile ducts, causing an infection (ascending cholangitis), which can be life threatening.

Gallstone Treatment

No matter if the gallstones get stuck in the gallbladder or in the bile ducts, the gallbladder is normally removed in order to prevent future complications from stones. A gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) usually takes about 30 minutes, and it’s performed laparoscopically. That means there are only three or four small (1-centimeter) cuts.

If there are also gallstones in the bile ducts, Dr. McKenzie says a surgeon or gastroenterologist will take a scope through the patient’s mouth into the small bowel and the duct in the small bowel to access the stone and remove it. This is called an ERCP.

Gallbladder Diet

Dr. McKenzie says there are no specific foods that will cause gallstones to form. If you want to avoid gallstones, he suggests maintaining a healthy lifestyle and focusing on avoiding high cholesterol and weight gain.

“Gallstone formation is a complex process that can lead to a need for surgery in those who have gallstones. If you are concerned you may have a gallbladder problem or are experiencing symptoms, make an appointment with your primary care provider or general surgeon for assessment,” Dr. McKenzie says.

Gallstones | nidirect

Gallstones are small stones, usually made of cholesterol, that form in the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small, pouch-like organ found underneath the liver.

Symptoms of gallstones 

Most cases of gallstones don’t cause any symptoms. But if a gallstone becomes trapped in a duct (tube connecting to the gallbladder) or irritates the inside of the gallbladder it can cause a sudden severe abdominal (tummy) pain.

The pain can be felt:

• in the midline of your abdomen (tummy), above the umbilicus (belly button)
• just under the ribs on your right-hand side – it may spread from here to your side or shoulder blade

The pain is sometimes triggered by eating fatty foods, but may occur at any time of day and it may wake you up during the night.

Some people with gallstones can also develop complications, such as inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis), which can cause:

• persistent pain
• jaundice (a term used to describe the yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes.  It’s caused by a build-up of a substance called bilirubin in the blood and body’s tissues)
• a fever

• Find out more about the symptoms of gallstones on the NHS website

Treating gallstones 

Treatment is usually only necessary if gallstones are causing:

• symptoms – such as abdominal pain
• complications – such as jaundice or acute pancreatitis (a serious condition where the pancreas becomes inflamed over a short period of time). The pancreas is a small organ located behind the stomach and below the ribcage.

In these cases, surgery to remove the stone or the gallbladder may be recommended.

• Find out more about treating gallstones on the NHS website

When to seek medical help 

If you think you may be experiencing symptoms described above you should make an appointment with your GP.

Contact your GP immediately for advice if you develop:

• jaundice
• abdominal pain lasting longer than eight hours
• a high temperature and chills
• abdominal pain so intense that you can’t find a position to relieve it

If your own GP surgery is closed, you should contact your local out of hours service (OOH).

• Find your local out of hours service

Causes of gallstones

The main purpose of the gallbladder is to store and concentrate bile (a liquid to help you digest fats). Gallstones are thought to develop because of an imbalance in the chemical make-up of bile inside the gallbladder.

In most cases the levels of cholesterol in bile become too high and the excess cholesterol forms into stones.

You’re more at risk of developing gallstones if you’re:

• overweight or obese
• female, particularly if you’ve had children
• 40 or over (the risk increases as you get older)

Preventing gallstones

From the limited evidence available, changes to your diet and losing weight (if you’re overweight) may help prevent gallstones.

A healthy, balanced diet is recommended. This includes plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables (at least five portions a day) and wholegrains.

Being overweight, particularly being obese, increases the amount of cholesterol in your bile, which increases your risk of developing gallstones. You can control your weight by eating a healthy diet and taking plenty of regular exercise.

• Find out more about gallstones on the NHS website

More useful links

• How to use your health services

Help improve this page – send your feedback

90,000 Gallstones!

content

1. What is cholelithiasis and its causes
2. Symptoms and diagnosis of gallstones
3. Treatment of disease

1.

What is gallstone disease and its causes

Gallstones are crystals of cholesterol or bile salts – solid particles that vary in size and shape. The gallbladder is an organ that is a reservoir for bile, which is involved in the digestion of fats.

The gallbladder is located on the anterior side of the liver and plays an important role in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and metabolism. That is why gallstones – cholelithiasis or cholelithiasis – are considered a serious disease.

In order to understand the causes of gallstones, it is necessary to consider in more detail the features of its functioning. Gall Bladder is a small reservoir of bile that comes regularly from the liver. During meals, the gallbladder releases fluid into the duodenum, improving the process of digestion.

Bile has a complex chemical composition and contains a fairly large amount of cholesterol and bilirubin, a pigment produced by the liver. With prolonged stagnation of bile in the gallbladder, cholesterol begins to be deposited on protein particles that are formed from bile components. The result of this process is the emergence of microscopic stones, which over time are interconnected, increase in size and form large stones – stones in the gallbladder. The formation of stones is a rather long process, taking from 5 to 20 years.

The main causes of gallstones include:

• Increased cholesterol levels in bile. An increase in cholesterol levels can be caused by eating fatty foods, obesity, metabolic disorders in the body and diseases such as diabetes mellitus.
• Violation of the outflow of bile. Dyskinesia, a violation of the contractile function of the gallbladder, flatulence, a sedentary lifestyle, improper diet, and pregnancy can lead to stagnation of bile.
• Infection in the gallbladder. Infection in this gallbladder is accompanied by inflammation of its mucous membrane and the creation of favorable conditions for the deposition of bile components.

In a healthy body, bile in the gallbladder is in a liquid state and does not form solid compounds. Only under the influence of the above factors, some substances from its composition begin to precipitate, contributing to the formation of stones. Consider the following risk factors that increase the likelihood of solid junctions in the gallbladder:

• Genetic predisposition. Some people have a hereditary tendency to form gallstones. Therefore, if at least one member of your family has a similar pathology, you are also at increased risk.
• Obesity. This factor is considered one of the main reasons for the development of gallstones, since obesity significantly increases the level of cholesterol, which leads to a violation of the full emptying of the gallbladder.
• Ethnic origin. Nationality also affects the likelihood of a person developing a similar pathology. Numerous studies have found that Americans, for example, are more prone to developing gallstones.
• The hormone estrogen. Estrogen in some cases contributes to the deterioration of gallbladder motility. High estrogen levels are common in pregnant women, as well as in women taking birth control pills and other hormonal medications.
• Age and gender. Most often, gallstone disease occurs in the elderly and women.

A must to check out!
Help with treatment and hospitalization!

2. Symptoms and diagnosis of gallstones

Cholelithiasis is characterized by asymptomatic course. A person for many years may not be aware of the presence of stones in the gallbladder. The occurrence of signs of this disease depends primarily on the location of solid formations, as well as on their size and number. As a rule, signs of gallstone disease appear when stones block the ducts, preventing the outflow of bile.

Here are the main symptoms of cholelithiasis:

• vomiting and nausea;
• long and agonizing pains in upper abdomen and back;
• gastrointestinal disorders: heartburn, indigestion, etc. ;
• bitterness and dry mouth;
• fever.

The detection of gallstones begins with a medical examination, during which the gastroenterologist checks whether the gallbladder is enlarged, determines the degree of its sensitivity, etc. For further diagnosis of this disease, the specialist prescribes a blood test and ultrasonography of the abdominal organs. Ultrasound data helps the doctor determine the size of stones in the gallbladder and their number. Moreover, on their basis, the doctor can analyze the condition of the gallbladder and identify the possible cause of the development of stones. Among other more complex diagnostic methods, one can single out the study of the gallbladder with the help of special preparations – oral cholecystography and retrograde cholangiopancreatography – the introduction of a contrast agent into the bile ducts.

Visit our page
Gastroenterology

3.

Treatment of disease

Treatment of gallstone disease is a systematic and multifaceted process. It includes following a diet and lowering cholesterol levels in the body. The treatment is based on the removal of stones from the gallbladder, which can be carried out in the following ways:

• Stone dissolution. Without surgery, cholelithiasis can only be cured with drugs: ursodeoxycholic and chenodeoxycholic acid. They reduce the level of substances in the bile that promote the formation of stones, and increase the level of substances that dissolve solid compounds. This method is effective only in the early stages of the disease.
• Crushing of gallstones. This technique for the treatment of gallstone disease is based on the effect of high pressure on gallstones through ultrasound. As a result, the stone is destroyed and crushed into small particles, which are subsequently dissolved with the help of medications.
• Removal of the gallbladder. This treatment for gallstones is used for inflammation of the gallbladder walls, very large stones and other complications of gallstone disease.

The method of treatment for gallstone disease is determined by the doctor and depends on the stage of the disease, so doctors recommend that you be attentive to your health, undergo preventive examinations for gallstones if your family has a tendency to develop them, and immediately consult a doctor if you have symptoms of stones in gallbladder.

About our clinic
m. Chistye Prudy
Medintercom page!

Stones in the bile ducts – causes, symptoms, who treats

What should be done to diagnose and treat stones in the bile ducts ? To solve this problem, the first step for the patient is to make an appointment with a gastroenterologist. After the initial examination, the doctor may prescribe additional studies:

• Abdominal ultrasound
• Abdominal MRI with MR cholangiography
• Abdominal CT with CT cholangiography
• endoscopic ultrasound
• endoscopic retrograde cholangiography.

Choledocholithiasis is the presence of gallstones in the common bile duct. Gallstones usually form in the gallbladder. The bile duct is a small tube that carries bile from the gallbladder to the intestines. The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ below the liver in the upper right part of the abdomen. Stones usually remain in the gallbladder or pass unhindered through the common bile duct.

Bile duct symptoms

Gallstones in the bile duct may not cause symptoms for months or even years. But if the stone gets stuck in the duct and blocks it, you may feel the following symptoms:

• abdominal pain in the upper right or middle upper abdomen
• fever
• jaundice
• loss of appetite
• nausea and vomiting
• clay colored chair.

Pain caused by gallstones in the bile ducts may be sporadic or prolonged. Severe pain requires immediate medical attention. The most severe symptoms can be confused with a heart attack, such as a heart attack.

When a gallstone gets stuck in the bile duct, the bile can become infected. Infection bacteria spread rapidly and enter the liver. If this happens, the infection becomes life-threatening. Other possible complications include biliary cirrhosis and pancreatitis.

Causes of gallstones in the bile ducts

There are 2 types of gallstones: cholesterol gallstones and pigment gallstones.

Cholesterol gallstones often look yellow and are the most common type. Scientists believe that cholesterol gallstones are formed due to bile containing:

• too much cholesterol
• too much bilirubin
• insufficient amount of bile salts.

They also occur when the gallbladder is not emptied completely or often enough.

The cause of pigment stones is unknown. They appear in patients suffering from:

• cirrhosis of the liver
• biliary tract infection
• hereditary blood disorders in which the liver produces too much bilirubin.

Risk factors

Patients with gallstones or gallbladder disease are at risk for developing gallstones. Even patients who have had their gallbladder removed may experience this disease. The following factors increase the likelihood of developing gallstones:

• obese
• low-fiber, high-fat diet
• pregnancy
• long fasting
• rapid weight loss
• lack of exercise.

Some of these risk factors for gallstones can be reduced through lifestyle changes. Risk factors that cannot be changed include:

• age
• gender – women are more likely to form gallstones
• family history – genetics play a role.

How a doctor diagnoses bile duct stones

If there are signs, a gastroenterologist will check for a gallstone in the common bile duct. He will use one of the following imaging modalities:

• transabdominal abdominal ultrasound, an imaging procedure that uses high frequency sound waves to examine the liver, gallbladder, spleen, kidneys, and pancreas
• Abdominal CT – X-ray of the abdomen in cross section
• endoscopic ultrasound – an ultrasound transducer is inserted into a flexible endoscopic tube and inserted through the mouth to examine the digestive tract
• endoscopic retrograde cholangiography – a procedure used to detect stones, tumors and narrowings in the bile ducts
• magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography – MRI of the gallbladder, bile ducts and pancreatic ducts
• percutaneous transhepatic cholangiogram – X-ray of the bile ducts.

Your doctor will also order one or more of the following blood tests to look for infection and check liver and pancreatic function:

• complete blood count
• bilirubin
• pancreatic enzymes
• liver function tests.

Share:

The best doctors in St. Petersburg

Vasilevitskaya Irina Valerievna

Rating: 4.8 / 5

Enroll

Dedkova Olga Vladimirovna

Rating: 4.9 / 5

Enroll

Ilchishina Tatyana Alekseevna

Rating: 4.8 / 5

Enroll

Akayeva Svetlana Vladimirovna

Rating: 4.9 / 5

Enroll

Aleksyuk Elena Alexandrovna

Rating: 4.7 / 5

Enroll

Andreev Alexander Sergeevich

Ranking: 4.8 / 5 R. Cheminava // Medical visualization. 2006. – No. 6. -S. 60-65.

Bryukhovetsky Yu. A. Ultrasound examination of the biliary system / Yu. A. Bryukhovetsky // Clinical Guide to Ultrasound Diagnostics / ed. V. V. Mitkova. Moscow: Vidar, 1996.-T. 1.-S. 94-140.

Useful information

Abdominal abscess

What should be done to diagnose and treat an abdominal abscess? To solve this problem, the first step for the patient is to make an appointment with an abdominal surgeon. After the initial examination, the doctor may prescribe additional studies:

abdominal ultrasound
Abdominal CT with contrast
Abdominal MRI with contrast
Lab tests.

read more +

Preparing for an MRI of the Abdomen

In 90% of cases, magnetic resonance imaging does not require any special preparation, but abdominal and retroperitoneal MRI is an exception to this rule.