Gallbladder Stone Disease Home A-Z Health Information Health Library A-Z Gallbladder Stone Disease Overview Gallbladder stone disease, also known as cholelithiasis, refers to the presence of gallstones (solid crystals) in the gallbladder. These stones can vary in size from tiny grains to large stones and can obstruct the normal flow of bile. This blockage can lead to various symptoms, including pain and inflammation, and may result in complications if not properly managed. Types Gallstones can be of various types, including:Cholesterol gallstones: These are the most common type of gallstones and are usually yellow or green in colour.Pigment gallstones: These are made of excess bilirubin (a substance that is released the when red blood cells break down) and are dark brown or black in colour. Pigment gallstones are more common in individuals with medical conditions, like cirrhosis, biliary tract infection, and sickle cell anaemia.Mixed gallstones: These gallstones are made up of cholesterol, bilirubin, and calcium salts. Causes and risk factors There are multiple causes and risk factors for gallbladder stone disease; these include:Excess cholesterol: When the liver produces too much cholesterol, the gallbladder is not able to properly break it down; this leads to the formation of cholesterol stones.Excess bilirubin: Certain conditions like liver disease or haemolytic anaemia result in increased production of bilirubin, which may then be used to form pigment gallstones.Incomplete emptying of the gallbladder: If the gallbladder does not empty completely—or often enough—bile can become concentrated and form stones.Obesity: Being overweight or obese results in increased cholesterol levels, thereby contributing to the formation of gallstones.Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy, particularly increased oestrogen levels, may lead to gallstone formation.Diabetes: Increased blood sugar levels and high insulin levels can promote the formation of gallstones.Age: The risk for gallstone disease increases after 40 years of age.Gender: Women are more likely than men to develop gallstones owing to the effects of oestrogen and progesterone, which increase the cholesterol levels.Family history: A family history of gallstones increases the risk of developing gallstones.Cholesterol-lowering medications: Certain medications, like cholesterol-lowering drugs (e.g., statins), may increase the risk of gallstone formation.Rapid weight loss: Speedy weight loss (e.g., through very low-calorie diets or weight-loss surgery) can cause the liver to release more cholesterol into the bile, increasing the likelihood of stone formation.Other medical conditions: Conditions like diabetes, cirrhosis, Crohn's disease, and certain blood disorders (such as sickle cell disease) increase the risk of developing gallstones. Symptoms Many individuals with gallstones do not experience any symptoms ("silent gallstones"); however, when symptoms do occur, they can include:Abdominal pain: Often in the upper right abdomen or the centre of the abdomen. Can be severe and last from a few minutes to several hours (gallbladder attack).Nausea and vomiting: Especially after eating fatty foods.Indigestion: Bloating, heartburn, and gas.Jaundice: Occurs when a stone blocks a bile duct and prevents bile from draining properly.Dark urine or pale stool: Caused by the blockage of bile flow.Fever: If the gallstones cause an infection or inflammation (cholecystitis), fever and chills may occur. Diagnosis The diagnostic modalities for gallbladder stone disease have been enumerated below.Imaging tests:Ultrasound: The most common and reliable test for detecting gallstones.CT: Can be used to identify gallstones, but it is not as sensitive as ultrasound.MRI: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan with a special focus on the biliary system can help detect stones in the bile ducts.Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): A procedure used both for diagnosing and treating gallstones that may be blocking the bile ducts. It involves using a flexible tube with a camera to view the bile ducts.Blood tests: Bile duct blockage can result in elevated levels of bilirubin or liver enzymes. Treatment Treatment depends on the symptoms manifested and the size and type of gallstones.Non-surgical treatments:Medications: Medications like ursodeoxycholic acid can dissolve cholesterol stones, but they are usually only effective for small stones and may take months or years to work.Shock wave lithotripsy: A technique where shock waves are used to break up large stones, making them easier to pass.Surgical treatments:Cholecystectomy: The most common treatment for symptomatic gallstones. It involves the surgical removal of the gallbladder, usually through minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery. After this procedure, bile flows directly from the liver into the small intestine.Endoscopic surgery: If the stones are stuck in the bile ducts, a procedure like ERCP may be used to remove them without requiring full gallbladder removal.Dietary changes: Though dietary changes cannot result in the dissolution of existing gallstones, a low-fat, high-fibre diet can help manage symptoms and prevent new stones from forming.Lifestyle modifications: Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding rapid weight loss, and exercising regularly can help reduce the risk of developing gallstones in the future. Prevention Healthy Eating: A balanced, low-fat diet with plenty of fibre can help reduce the risk of gallstones.Regular exercise: Staying active can help maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of developing gallstones.Gradual weight loss: Losing weight at a slow and steady rate can help prevent gallstone formation.