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A gallstone is a stone formed within the gallbladder from precipitated bile components. [2] The term cholelithiasis may refer to the presence of gallstones or to any disease caused by gallstones, [5] and choledocholithiasis refers to the presence of migrated gallstones within bile ducts.
The gallbladder has a capacity of about 50 millilitres (1.8 imperial fluid ounces). [2] The gallbladder is shaped like a pear, with its tip opening into the cystic duct. [4] The gallbladder is divided into three sections: the fundus, body, and neck. The fundus is the rounded base, angled so that it faces the abdominal wall.
Jaundice and/or clay-colored stool may raise suspicion of choledocholithiasis or even gallstone pancreatitis. [1] If the above symptoms coincide with fever and chills, the diagnosis of ascending cholangitis may also be considered. More than 70% of people with gallstones are asymptomatic and are diagnosed incidentally during ultrasound.
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases reports that 10 to 15 percent of the U.S. population, about 25 million people, are affected by gallstones. Your Guide to Gallstones
Biliary colic, also known as symptomatic cholelithiasis, a gallbladder attack or gallstone attack, is when a colic (sudden pain) occurs due to a gallstone temporarily blocking the cystic duct. [1] Typically, the pain is in the right upper part of the abdomen, and can be severe. [2] Pain usually lasts from 15 minutes to a few hours. [1]
Gallbladder diseases are diseases involving the gallbladder and is closely linked to biliary disease, with the most common cause being gallstones (cholelithiasis). [1] [2]The gallbladder is designed to aid in the digestion of fats by concentrating and storing the bile made in the liver and transferring it through the biliary tract to the digestive system through bile ducts that connect the ...
Cholecystitis causes the gallbladder to become distended and firm. Distension can lead to decreased blood flow to the gallbladder, causing tissue death and eventually gangrene. [13] Once tissue has died, the gallbladder is at greatly increased risk of rupture (perforation), which can cause sharp pain.
Sometimes gallstones may get stuck in the cystic duct, which serves as a bridge between the gallbladder and the common bile duct, and can lead to inflammation in the wall of the gallbladder. [11] This inflammation of the gallbladder is known as cholecystitis and is a common indication for surgical removal of the gallbladder, or cholecystectomy ...