What Are Gallstones? Types, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Gallstones are hardened deposits that form in the gallbladder, a small, pear-shaped organ located beneath the liver. These stones can range in size from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball and may cause severe pain and complications if they block bile ducts.

Types of Gallstones

There are two main types of gallstones:

• Cholesterol Stones (Most common, ~80% of cases) – Form due to excess cholesterol in bile, usually yellow-green in color.
• Pigment Stones – Made of bilirubin, smaller and darker (black or brown), common in liver disease or blood disorders.

Causes and Risk Factors

Gallstones develop when bile contains too much cholesterol, bilirubin, or doesn’t empty properly. Risk factors include:

• Gender: Women are more prone due to estrogen effects.
• Age: Risk increases after 40.
• Obesity: Increases cholesterol in bile.
• Rapid weight loss: Causes liver to secrete extra cholesterol.
• Diet: High-fat, high-cholesterol, or low-fiber diets.
• Diabetes & Liver disease: Affects bile composition.
• Family history: Genetic predisposition.

Symptoms of Gallstones

Many gallstones are "silent" (asymptomatic). However, if they block bile ducts, symptoms may include:

• Biliary colic: Sudden, intense pain in the upper right abdomen.
• Nausea & vomiting
• Jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes)
• Fever & chills (signs of infection)
• Dark urine & clay-colored stools

Complications of Untreated Gallstones

• Cholecystitis (Inflamed gallbladder)
• Pancreatitis (Blocked pancreatic duct)
• Cholangitis (Bile duct infection)
• Gallbladder cancer (Rare but possible)

Diagnosis

Doctors use imaging tests to detect gallstones:

• Ultrasound (Most common)
• CT scan or MRI
• HIDA scan (Checks gallbladder function)
• Blood tests (Detects infection or jaundice)

Treatment Options

1. Watchful Waiting

Asymptomatic gallstones may not need treatment.

2. Medications

Ursodeoxycholic acid (Dissolves cholesterol stones slowly).

3. Surgery

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (Minimally invasive gallbladder removal).

4. ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography)

Removes stones from bile ducts without gallbladder removal.

Prevention Tips

• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Eat a balanced diet (high fiber, low fat).
• Avoid rapid weight loss.
• Stay hydrated.

Conclusion

Gallstones are a common digestive disorder that can cause significant discomfort and complications if left untreated. Early diagnosis and proper management—through lifestyle changes, medication, or surgery—can prevent serious health issues. Consult a healthcare provider if you experience symptoms of gallstones.

References

1. NIDDK. (2021). Gallstones. https://www.niddk.nih.gov
2. Mayo Clinic. (2023). Gallstones - Symptoms & Causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org
3. American College of Gastroenterology. (2022). Gallstone Disease. https://gi.org
4. Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2023). Gallstones. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org
5. RadiologyInfo.org. (2023). Gallbladder Ultrasound. https://www.radiologyinfo.org
6. Cleveland Clinic. (2023). Gallstones Treatment. https://my.clevelandclinic.org