It is estimated that up to 1 million Americans are hospitalized annually as a result of gallstones, making it the most common of all digestive diseases¹. Gallstones are formed when bile hardens in the gallbladder. 80% of gallstones are a result of cholesterol precipitation, while 20% are are a result of bile pigment precipitation². The cause of gallstones is unknown². The way in which gallstones are formed is shown in the following video.

The following figure shows a severe case of gallstones.

Figure 5.21 Gallstones within a dissected gallbladder³

Many people do not experience symptoms from gallstones. They are usually discovered during examination for another health condition. However, some people experience an “attack” or pain that results from blockage of the bile ducts. The gallbladder is not essential, so the primary treatment is cholecystectomy, the removal of the gallbladder. Bile then flows directly from the liver into the small intestine.

References & Links

1. Bar-Meir S. (2001) Gallstones: Prevalence, diagnosis and treatment. The Israel Medical Association Journal 3(2): 111.

2. http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/digestive-diseases/gallstones/Pages/facts.aspx

3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Gallstones.jpg

Video

Gallstones – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1q3NxfwSENM&feature=rec-HM-fresh+div